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BoB Lowers Key Interest Rate Amid Balanced Inflation Outlook

Reduces Monetary Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 2.15 percent MoF projects growth to accelerate to 4.2% in 2024 and 5.4% in 2025 BoB warns increase int’l commodity prices could impact inflation GAZETTE REPORTER The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Botswana (BoB) has announced a reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate…

BIHL Unveils New Strategy for 2024 Amid Strong 2023 Performance 

Says Group “laid a significant groundwork” for growth with 2018–2023 strategy Profit up 74 percent to a “substantial” P782 million year on year The strong results defy inflation and external shocks like of Ukraine war Top executives have assumed full responsibility for life business GAZETTE REPORTER  Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) is poised to embark…

Kgafela Emphasises Role of Botswana’s Mining Sector

Notes it accounts for over a 3rd of country’s GDP and more than a 3rd of govt revenue Underlines sector’s robust regulatory framework for attracting investors States: “We are also proud of our skilled and educated workforce” Says not many countries can match Botswana credentials as “a peaceful, stable and democratic country” GAZETTE REPORTER Botswana’s…

KBL’s Clear Beer Sales in Decline Amid Market Shift 

Own FABs causes 5.5% decline in KBL’s Clear Beer market But St Louis continues to grow despite drop in clear beer market Brutal Fruit up by triple digits, Flying Fish 10.7% YoY  Creatives’ “Hype the Homegrown” due for robust rollout this year GAZETTE REPORTER The Clear Beer category at Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) experienced a…

Standard Chartered Reports Robust 2023 Performance 

  Up 15% in top-line YOY growth to reach P1 billion mark “Remarkable” profit before tax up 59% at P403 million CEO assigns success mainly to income momentum in CCIB segment Investments in HR take operational costs from P607m to P664m   GAZETTE REPORTER Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited delivered a robust set of financial…

Okavango Diamond Company Joins Natural Diamond Council

ODC becomes the first non-mining member of NDC ODC sells over 6m ct of rough natural diamonds per annum All ODC diamonds are sourced from Debswana Story of the real, rare and responsible values of natural diamonds is of the essence GAZETTE REPORTER  Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has been announced as the newest member of…

Chobe Holdings Reports Record-Breaking Performance

Achieved record profit before tax of P202m Reports cash and cash equivalents totalling P141m Points to demand from source markets and own marketing GAZETTE REPORTER Chobe Holdings Limited, an ecotourism outfit listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), has announced stellar financial results for the year ending 29 February 2024. Buoyed by robust demand from…

Absa Announces Key Board Appointments

  Cosmas Moapare appointed Board Chairman, Kgotlayarona Ramaphane named Lead Independent Non-Executive Director GAZETTE REPORTER  Following the completion of requisite regulatory approvals, Absa Bank Botswana Limited has officially named Cosmas Moapare as the company’s Board Chairman and Kgotlayarona Ramaphane as the Lead Independent Non-Executive Director effective Thursday 23 May 2024. “These appointments follow an interim…

Sharp Decline in De Beers Diamond Production

Rough production down 23% to 6.9m carats in Q1 2024 Botswana decline notable at 28% to 5.0 million carats Rough sales in notable decline to a mere 4.9m carats But Anglo sees “a glimmer of hope on the horizon” GAZETTE REPORTER The world’s leading diamond company, De Beers, grappled with a significant 23 percent decrease…

Lifestyle News

Mpho Sebina Reflects on Grammy Recording Induction 

The lilting songstress captured the import of the achievement thus: “Never in a million years would I have seen myself becoming a member of the Recording Academy.” GOSEGO MOTSUMI  In a groundbreaking achievement, Botswana’s lilting songbird Mpho Sebina has been inducted into the Grammy Recording Academy as a voting member for the Class of 2024.…

Lioness Ratang: Rising Talent to Look Out for 

After grappling with the harsh realities of the music industry, her single “Nako Tsele” has become an anthem that everyone likes to hear. The ‘Lioness’ recently spent a little Time Out with GOSEGO MOTSUMI In the vibrant tapestry of Botswana’s music industry, a new star is on the rise. Young and dynamic Ratang Moitshepi has…

National Arts Festival Boosts Prize Money to P50K 

Starting in 2025, the festival will be managed by the National Arts Council of Botswana GOSEGO MOTSUMI  In a monumental shift for Botswana’s creative community, the 16th Annual National Arts Festival (NAF) has seen a considerable increase in prize money from P30,000 to P50,000, signifying the government’s renewed commitment to the arts. Held at the…

From Botswana to the Big Stage: SOGO’s Sweet Tribute to AKA

“Our designs and flavours are often a result of divine inspiration” – Founder of SOGO, George Magapa   GOSEGO MOTSUMI In an event that blended music, culture, and delectable desserts, Botswana’s new ice cream and dessert group, SOGO – So Good, made a memorable appearance at Sony Music Africa’s exclusive screening of the “Levelsx” documentary.…

Art Meets Adventure: Makgadikgadi Epic Hosts First “Art in the Pan” 

While the thrill of adventure attracts adrenaline seekers, the art exhibition provided a serene counterbalance, appealing to those who appreciate beauty and contemplation. Staff Writer GOSEGO MOTSUMI was there The sprawling, salt-crusted expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans just hosted more than just adrenaline-fuelled activities; it was home to an extraordinary art exhibition styled “Art in…

Jazz Reflections with Nono Siile Leaves Lasting Impact 

Mpho Sebina’s performance was another highlight of the night GOSEGO MOTSUMI  In the cozy ambiance of the Social Restaurant at the Gaborone CBD, jazz aficionados gathered for an unforgettable evening styled “Jazz Reflections with Nono Siile” on Saturday night. The unplugged show was a soulful journey that cemented Nono Siile’s presence in jazz, showcasing her…

Upcoming Gospel Music Awards to Reignite the Genre and Honor Talent

Fifth edition of the GMAs to be preceded by a workshop for artists Registration of works by artists is open until 31 July Voting to take place in August and September GOSEGO MOTSUMI In a vibrant celebration of faith, talent and musical excellence, this year’s Gospel Music Awards (GMA) are set to resuscitate the gospel…

Botswana’s Outstanding Comic Gem Set to Shine in Kenya

Thapelo Malani’s recent itinerary has been nothing short of impressive and belies his blindness GOSEGO MOTSUMI Thapelo Malani is on a roll. Fresh off his stellar performance at the #NotSoDryComedyTour at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino recently, this is of Botswana’s most talented rib cracker who is now gearing up to take his unique brand…

Sports News

BTA Reflects On Hosting Davis Cup Africa 

Notes of Team Botswana:  Winning two matches with a clean sweep of 3-0 and another match 2-1 in the group stages, they advanced to the playoffs. Says spokesman Tshepang Tlhankane: “The tournament was well planned and was executed with no glitches whatsoever. We met the standards set for the competition.” GAZETTE REPORTER The team that…

From Grade 3 to National Glory: Gontho’s Rise in Botswana Netball 

“MaYellow’s” story is a beacon to hold out as a source of inspiration and a lesson in the critical balance to strike between studying for a career and active participation in sports, both of which coincide with the prime of youth GAZETTE REPORTER  Rising star on Botswana’s netball scene, Keletso Gontho, is set to celebrate…

Mpote Returns To Township Rollers

Club also announces arrival of new president and investment partner, Tendani Sebata GAZETTE REPORTER  Mogomotsi “Teenage” Mpote has returned to Township Rollers as the club’s new head coach. The announcement of Mpote’s return to his old stomping ground last Friday means he is replacing Innocent Morapedi as head coach ahead of the 2024-2025 season. Mpote…

A Peek Into Botswana’s Track and Field Ahead of Paris Olympics

  Everyone to whom this matters is aware that it is a strong team that stands within striking distance of the ultimate position in every race that Botswana will enter GAZETTE REPORTER   As the world turns its attention to the Paris Olympics, some of Botswana’s track and field athletes stand out with impressive season bests,…

Galaxy vs. Pirates Champions League Clash On The Cards 

As things currently stand, the two sides have a balanced elimination record against each other GAZETTE REPORTER  Botswana Premier League champions Jwaneng Galaxy seem set on an unavoidable collision course with Soweto giants Orlando Pirates for a second successive season in the CAF Champions League after the teams where drawn in the same bracket. Galaxy…

Kebinatshipi’s PB of 44.67s Spurs Him On For Paris ’24 

With more grit and optimism, his focus is now on refining his performance to ensure that he competes at his peak GAZETTE REPORTER Collen Kebinatshipi’s personal best of 44.67 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League last Friday has spurred Botswana’s standout 400-metre runner on to work “on dropping my PB”. Speaking to Gazette Sports from…

More Economic Impact Anticipated As Jwaneng Mine GM’s Soccer Fiesta Nears  

This year’s soccer extravaganza will bask in the afterglow of Jwaneng Galaxy’s back-to-back trophies of the Botswana Premier League and the Orange FA Cup that have added an astral lustre to the world’s leading diamond mine (BLURB)    GAZETTE REPORTER The much-anticipated Jwaneng Mine General Manager’s Soccer Fiesta aims to promote Debswana’s 2024 One Dream,…

Botswana Hosts 2024 Davis Cup Africa Group V 

Tournament expected to enhance tennis standards and boosting sports tourism in Botswana 15 nations – among them Madagascar, Tanzania, Ethiopia and the Seychelles – are in the tourney Botswana last hosted the Davis Cup Africa Group V in 2006 GAZETTE REPORTER Hosting the 2024 Davis Cup Africa Group V aligns with the Botswana Tennis Association’s…