Botswana’s struggle to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is tightening the screws on the national economy and rural livelihoods, with beef exports taking a major hit and access to the European Union market lost, Agriculture Minister Edwin Dikoloti said. "In Botswana, many households depend on cattle for income and food; therefore, any disruption affects entire communities," the minister said. He added that the government is shifting its approach to deepen collaboration with partners, notably the private sector and…

The recent inauguration of Botswana's new president marks a significant shift in the nation's political landscape, following an election that concluded almost six decades of governance by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). This transition of power, characterized by its swift nature, has inspired both hope and speculation among citizens and political analysts alike. “Change is always a double-edged sword, isn’t it?” remarked a local political commentator while reflecting on the recent developments. With the BDP's extended…

As the countdown to the election day in Botswana approaches its final stretch, political parties are intensifying their efforts to captivate voters with their manifestos. According to political commentator Kitso Morekisi, the presidential race is wide open. This sentiment resonates as international observers have landed to oversee the electoral proceedings leading up to the general election scheduled for October 30. Recently, VOA highlighted an issue that arose during the early voting process—ballot papers ran out due to…

The High Court of Botswana has officially ruled that four out of five presidential hopefuls possess the necessary backing to vie for the nation's highest office, as stipulated by law. Among these contenders is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is eyeing a second term in the presidency. Joining Masisi in this political contest are Duma Boko, the head of the opposition coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando, representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana…