The Kimberley Process Secretariat (KPS) has officially opened its head office in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a significant milestone for the international diamond regulator. This development follows the Host Country Agreement signed between Botswana and the KPS in April. Botswana's Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, emphasized the importance of this move, highlighting Botswana's status as a leading diamond producer. The new office aims to enhance the efficiency and relevance of the Kimberley Process in the global diamond market. Executive Secretary Tang Bojun described the opening as a landmark event that strengthens the Kimberley Process's structure and effectiveness.

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) is revitalizing Lobatse's economy through strategic investments in industries like Delta Automotive Technologies and Milk Afric. The latest project, Lobatse Clay Works (LCW), aligns with Botswana's Vision 2036 for economic diversification. Mayor Mosimanegape Dithebe and Minister of Trade and Industry Mmusi Kgafela commend BDC's efforts, highlighting the government's support in creating a conducive environment for industrial growth. The new LCW plant, featuring advanced technologies, is set to be one of the most modern and energy-efficient facilities in the region.

Botswana is advancing its mineral exploration efforts through the Nossop Ncojane Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data Project, led by the Botswana Geoscience Institute. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive aeromagnetic survey in the Kalahari region to identify new mineral prospects, supporting the country's goal of diversifying its mineral base beyond diamonds. Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, highlights the project's role in fostering export-led growth and attracting foreign direct investment. The initiative aligns with Botswana's strategic priority of developing a sustainable and diversified mineral resource industry.

Minister Lefoko Moagi urges the Ministry of Minerals and Energy to expedite the implementation of Botswana's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to meet power demands and export surplus electricity by 2026. The plan includes several renewable energy projects, with a focus on solar and wind power. President Mokgweetsi Masisi emphasizes compliance with a policy requiring foreign independent power producers to cede 40% shareholding to locals, as part of a citizen empowerment scheme. The government aims to achieve 50% renewable energy consumption by 2036, with a target of 1076 MW of renewable energy production. The transition to renewable energy is seen as crucial for industrialization and climate change mitigation.

Over 600,000 SIM cards have been suspended by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) for non-compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. BOCRA mandated compulsory registration to enhance communication security and combat fraud. While 86.18% of active SIM cards were registered, unregistered cards face suspension and potential recycling. The mobile market is led by Orange, Mascom, and BTCL, with market shares potentially shifting due to the registration mandate. BOCRA aims to foster innovation and secure communications through dynamic regulatory frameworks and infrastructure localization, despite debates on the effectiveness of mandatory registration in countering cybercrime.

The World Bank and UNDP have urged Botswana to transition towards a private sector-led economy to foster rapid growth and development. At the Botswana Annual ESG and Sustainable Finance Conference, they emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovative partnerships, and ESG compliance in driving sustainable development. The current economic model, heavily reliant on state-owned enterprises, is seen as unsustainable, with a shift needed to enhance productivity and inclusivity. The private sector is encouraged to lead in economic activities, with the government ensuring fair practices and ESG at the core of business operations to attract foreign investment.

The Minister of Finance of Botswana, Peggy Serame, announced that the persistent technical issues with the Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) are expected to be resolved by the end of March, with the implementation of long-term solutions such as the purchase of two Oracle Supercluster servers. Serame also highlighted the introduction of a Call Centre for customer assistance and the successful rollout of electronic payslips to government employees as part of the country's transition to a knowledge-based economy. The 2024/2025 development budget for computerization and digital transformation is set at P48 739 941.

Chobe Holdings, listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, is still facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting its aviation businesses and local travel demand. CEO John Gibson reported manufacturing constraints and reduced local travel, despite international luxury travel demand. The company is investing in its core businesses, including a rebuild of Savute Safari Lodge, a new Cessna 208EX Caravan, and solar plant enhancements, with total additions of approximately P65 million.

The Lumwana copper mine's Super Pit expansion project, developed by Barrick, is expected to begin production in 2028, with an estimated cost of nearly $2 billion. The project aims to transform Lumwana into a major copper mine with an annual production of approximately 240,000 tonnes over a 30-year lifespan, contributing to the Zambian government's 10-year plan to revive the copper industry. Since 2019, Lumwana has contributed almost $3 billion to Zambia's economy and has launched a Business Accelerator Program to support local contractors. Barrick's REDD+ initiative is set to benefit host communities through conservation efforts.

The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) has partnered with South African company Risks Insights (RI) to offer AI-powered platforms for generating ESG ratings, insights, and analytics. BSE CEO Thapelo Tsheole believes this will enhance the country's commitment to sustainable business practices. The collaboration will utilize RI's ESG GPS and A-Cubed platforms to provide ESG ratings and analytics for both listed and unlisted companies, aiming to improve ESG disclosure and facilitate informed decision-making for various stakeholders.