World Bank identifies critical gaps in Botswana's tourism sector
via Mmegi2 min read
The World Bank has identified significant structural deficiencies within Botswana's tourism sector, according to findings commissioned by the government. These findings, presented by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, at the 41st Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana HATAB conference in Maun, highlight the country's excessive reliance on high-end wildlife tourism. The report warns that this dependency, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and a slow pace of diversification, poses a threat to the sector's long-term growth and its ability to remain competitive.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
The recent FIFA World Cup led to a significant increase in revenue for betting platforms, as millions participated in sports betting. For many households facing reduced disposable incomes, the tournament was an economic event alongside its sporting spectacle. Discussions surrounding the World Cup 2026 have focused on player rivalries, team support, and increasingly, sports betting, which has become a central topic as competitions progress.
Former Botswana Democratic Party BDP secretary-general Kavis Kario is reportedly being considered by party structures in Maun West as a potential parliamentary candidate for the 2029 General Election. This development comes as the BDP aims to regain constituencies lost in the 2024 polls, with some party members advocating for early campaign preparations. BDP president Mpho Balopi previously suggested holding primary elections two years before the general election to allow candidates more time to establish themselves. Sources indicate Kario has been meeting with local party structures after transferring his membership to Maun West from Ngami. While no official endorsement has been made, influential members are reportedly supporting him. Proponents of this early engagement believe it allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the constituency and build relationships with residents. However, some BDP members express concern that openly lobbying for one candidate years before the primaries could create an uneven playing field and discourage other aspiring contestants, potentially impacting internal democracy. Kario declined to comment on the speculation, calling it an internal party matter.
A group of 168 residents from Bodungwane, led by Ompegile Ratsie, Gofaone Leburu, Lorato Leburu, and Bonolo Modise, has filed an urgent application with the High Court to prevent their eviction from land they claim their families have occupied for over a century. The residents, represented by Ndzinge Makhamisa Law Group, are challenging the Kgatleng Land Board, the Bodungwane Farmlands Borehole Syndicate, seven members of the syndicate, and Deputy Sheriff Lotty Manyepetsa. In an affidavit before Justice Ranier Busang of the Lobatse High Court, Ratsie states that the threatened eviction violates their constitutional rights and disregards legal procedures requiring a hearing before removal from occupied land. The residents assert that their homes, livestock, fields, and graves are in Bodungwane and they have no alternative place to go. They trace their occupation back to approximately 1901 when Kgosi Isang Pilane reportedly allocated the land to their ancestors under customary law. Ratsie argues that the applicants are descendants of Basarwa families who have continuously occupied the area since before the modern land administration system was established, and the lack of formal Land Board allocation certificates does not render them illegal occupiers.