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Tag: Botswana

  • Benin secure first points with win over Botswana

    Benin secure first points with win over Botswana

    Benin breathed new life into their AFCON 2025 campaign after edging Botswana 1-0 in a tightly contested Group D encounter at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday.

    The victory delivers Benin’s first points of tournament and reopens the qualification battle in group that remains finely balanced.

    Read Also: NFF, Osimhen, Iwobi paid emotional tributes to Troost-Ekong

    Benin appeared to strike gold almost immediately when Aiyegun Tosin found the net inside the opening minutes but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside in the buildup.

    Undeterred the Cheetahs maintained their intensity and were rewarded around the half hour mark. Defender Yohan Roche broke the deadlock in the 28 minute finishing from close range after captain Steve Mounié created space with intelligent movement inside the box.

    The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Benin’s favour.

  • Botswana declares public holiday to celebrate world relay win

    Botswana declares public holiday to celebrate world relay win

    Botswana has declared a public holiday to celebrate its team’s gold medal in the men’s 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo to become the first African winners of the event.

    Collen Kebinatshipi, who also won the individual 400 metres, ran a superb last leg to snatch victory in driving rain on Sunday as Botswana edged out the United States and South Africa in a thrilling race.

    Read Also: Bonmatí is Women’s best player for third consecutive year

    Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko announced the public holiday on September 29, the day before the country’s independence day, to honour Kebinatshipi and his teammates Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo and Bayapo Ndori.

    “I’ll be sure to tell everyone, Botswana’s natural diamonds are not just in the ground. They are our world champion athletes,” Boko was quoted as saying by local media on Sunday.

    After Tebogo won Botswana’s first Olympic gold medal in the 200 metres in Paris last year, his country celebrated the victory with a half-day holiday.

  • TOKYO 2025: Botswana clinch  historic 4x400m relay gold

    TOKYO 2025: Botswana clinch  historic 4x400m relay gold

    Botswana produced a brilliant performance to win the men’s world 4×400 metres relay in atrocious conditions on Sunday, edging out the United States and South Africa in a blanket finish to become the first African winners of the event.

    As rain hammered down, the U.S – who had scraped into the final after beating Kenya in a run-off on Sunday morning – led the way at the final changeover.

    However, Collen Kebinatshipi, the 21-year-old winner of the individual title, ran a fantastic leg to snatch gold in two minutes, 57.76 seconds.

    “I had to run the most strategic leg because of the weather,” said Kebinatshipi.

    Read Also: Team Nigeria top  CAA Region 2 Senior Athletics Championships

    “I knew I had to go strong but still I wanted to save my energy for the last 100 metres. At the last 80m I pushed and started running faster. I am really grateful to have come home with two gold medals.”

    The U.S., winners of nine of the last 10 world titles, changed all four athletes for the final from their morning runoff, and took silver from South Africa by two thousandths of a second after both being timed at 2:57.83.

    “I wanted to bring gold for these guys,” said Rai Benjamin, the 400m hurdles champion who ran the last leg for the U.S.”I am bit disappointed I couldn’t do that today. The guys put me in a great position. We were not supposed to be here, so taking a silver is pretty good.”

    Wayde van Niekerk, the 400m world record holder, said he was pleased to leave South African athletics in good hands as he heads towards retirement.

    “These are really confident guys in our relay, I have a lot of excitement about their careers and what is about to come,” 33-year-old said.

    “For me it is a privilege to say I finished my 400m career with these guys. It is my last one, but they are trying to convince me otherwise.”

    The U.S. resumed normal service in the women’s final that followed on the drenched track with individual 400m champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone anchoring them to gold in 3.16.61.

    The Americans finished the first lap neck-and-neck with the Jamaicans but Lynna Irby-Jackson ran a blistering second leg to give her team a comfortable lead that her last two teammates extended.

    “When you have great teammates as I have, it’s amazing,” said McLaughlin-Levrone.

    “My last lap felt it was like a victory lap for us. I just wanted to finish strong because you never know who is behind, chasing you. It was just an incredible race.”

    The Jamaicans held onto to second place in 3.19.25 despite the efforts of 400m hurdles gold medallist Femke Bol over the final leg for the Dutch defending champions, who finished third in 3.20.18.

  • Farouk Gumel to Botswana: Skills and merits beyond borders

    Farouk Gumel to Botswana: Skills and merits beyond borders

    By Isa Ali Pantami

    Farouk Mohammed Gumel is a distinguished Nigerian professional known for his exceptional expertise in various sectors. A few days ago, the news of his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the newly established Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Limited made headlines across the media.

    Furthermore, this appointment by His Excellency, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, marks a significant milestone for both Botswana and Nigeria. For Botswana, it represents the capture of a rare gem from Nigeria, employed based on merit without any human connection. Our special appreciation goes to President Boko.

    To those of us who worked with Farouk Gumel, during the erstwhile late Baba Buhari administration, this appointment did not come as a total surprise. While serving in the same government and in different capacities, our paths intersected several times. On each occasion, he consistently demonstrated the qualities of a visionary young leader.

    Gumel’s academic background is impressive. He holds a first-class honours degree in materials technology and a Distinction-level Master’s degree in clean technology from respected universities in the United Kingdom. Beyond his academic prowess, he has distinguished himself through competence, high-demand skills, character, loyalty, and practical problem-solving capacity.

    In addition, his career trajectory spans multiple sectors, ranging from multinational corporations to international conglomerates, where he later transitioned into public service. As a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and having worked with PwC, one of the globally renowned “Big Four” accounting and consulting firms, Gumel’s professional record is enviable.

    The emergence of Gumel, as head of the multi-billion-dollar Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund, reinforces the reflection that merit, skills, and excellence transcend boundaries. We are in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), where value creation through skills matters more than paper qualifications.

    The global economy today seeks problem solvers, innovators, and people who can deliver an impact beyond theoretical knowledge. Malam Gumel’s professional record and digital footprints were enough to convince the Botswana government that he is the right man for this national assignment.

    In Nigeria, he previously served as Chairman of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), contributing to stabilising and managing Nigeria’s sovereign wealth during one of the country’s most challenging economic periods. This is why experience and previous scorecard matter in attracting new opportunities. 

    This development aligns with an argument I have consistently advocated for, especially among the youths, and which I eloquently captured in my book, “Skills Rather than Just Degrees”, that in order to remain relevant, productive, and employable in the 21st century, youths and others must prioritise the acquisition of high-demand global skills. While degrees are important, without the right skills, they may not be enough to propel someone to greatness.

    The fact that Botswana, a nation blessed with the world’s second-largest diamond reserves, could hand over the Board Chairmanship of Sovereign Wealth Fund to a young Nigerian professional exemplifies the reality that with the required competence, integrity, discipline, and skills, Africans can excel globally.

    Countries leading the world economy today have invested in skills-based education. For instance, China introduces coding, programming, and robotics to children as early as primary school. Japan, Finland, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore are case studies in how skill-focused education can accelerate national development.

    Gumel’s appointment will serve as a source of inspiration to young Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region. It sends a clear message that with the required competence, integrity, and relevant skills, there is no limit to what a northerner (addressed as Almajiri or Malam) can achieve.

    Education must be restructured to prioritise skills, innovation, and problem-solving. As we celebrate this milestone, the bigger lesson is for Nigeria and Africa to embrace a paradigm shift from degree obsession to combining it with social, soft, and technical skill acquisition.

    May the Almighty guide and guard our younger brother Farouk Mohammed Gumel and all those working with him to deliver beyond expectations.

    Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is Co-Chairman of the African Union 4IR Policy Council (ASRIC)

  • Botswana businesses seek partnership with Nigerian counterparts

    Botswana businesses seek partnership with Nigerian counterparts

    • By Afolabi Idowu

    Nigerian investors have been encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities available across the African continent in order to expand their business frontiers.

    Giving this charge was Anthony Iloh, General Manager of Cavista Holdings. He spoke at the Botswana Business Breakfast in Lagos, held in celebration of Botswana’s Independence Day.

    Iloh, who said Cavista Holdings reinforces its commitment to driving investment across the continent, emphasised the need for greater collaboration between African nations.

    “As we look ahead, our focus is on fostering synergies that will benefit both Nigeria and Botswana. By building strong partnerships, we can unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and harness the potential of our talented youth to address the evolving needs of today’s market,” Iloh stated.

    Iloh also noted that Cavista Holdings’ expanding investment in Botswana will not only bolster its business portfolio but significantly contribute to local economic growth. “I encourage all Nigerian investors to explore ways we can work together to harness these opportunities. Collaboration is key to building a brighter future, not just for our businesses, but for our communities and the wider economy,” he added.

    Her Excellency Ms. Philda Nani Kereng, Botswana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, commended Cavista Holdings for its investment drive in Botswana and urged other Nigerian investors to follow suit by embracing the investment opportunities available in the country

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    During her welcome address, she outlined Botswana’s commitment to attracting Nigerian investors, especially in three pivotal sectors: technology, creative industries, and trade.

    In his presentation at the event, Mr. Moabi Phia, Director of Export Development & Promotion at the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), highlighted Botswana’s status as an investor-friendly destination despite its relatively small population of 2.3 million. He pointed out the low volume of Nigerian exports to Botswana and commended Cavista Holdings for its strategic investments in the country’s burgeoning technology sector.

    The Botswana Business Breakfast, co-sponsored by Cavista Holdings, brought together business leaders and key stakeholders from the private and public sectors to explore and discuss investment and partnership opportunities between Nigeria and Botswana.

  • Botswana seeks closer bilateral trade with Nigeria

    Botswana seeks closer bilateral trade with Nigeria

    The Botswana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miss Philda Nani Kereng has sought improved bilateral relations with Nigeria. 

    Kereng, who spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the occasion of her country’s 58 Independence anniversary, said she would be working towards ensuring active projects between both countries. 

    The envoy said her people want to learn the entrepreneurial and resilience spirit that makes Nigeians excell where they go. 

    She said: “Nigeria for us is a very, very critical partner. We have had relationship with Nigeria for a long time, but this time we want active projects, tangible projects, tangible business collaborations that will see our people trading together, that will see our government trading together, that will see us joining together to lead the rising of the African continent because of the strength that both countries have.”

    The envoy said Botswana has special regards for Nigeria, saying “This is a country where we have seen a lot of progress in terms of enterprise, trade, the spirit of enterprise of Nigerians. These people, when they want to do business, they go all out.They hit all milestones and they go against every odds so that they can achieve their intentions.

    “We have seen and learned from Nigerians that the mindset of business is something that Botswana wants to learn from. Our people, the government does so much to support small enterprises, micro enterprises, businesses, young people, women and so forth.

    “But we want to connect more so that we can learn from you how you do this business, how you venture out in the global space, technology application in trade markets and venturing out into the globe.

    “We are also looking up at Nigerian creative sector that is so vibrant. We have talented young people who are not working, but they want to be developed so that they can enter the film industry, fashion industry, food industry, culinary arts, acting, arts, music and everything because Nigeria lives in that space”.

    The envoy who is just four months in Nigeria, said her major business would be how to foster better trade and business relations between both countries. 

    According to her: “I’m here to make those connections. And as I celebrate, I know I’m celebrating some milestones because I have already started talking with critical stakeholders. Last week on Monday, we had a business breakfast meeting with the stakeholders in business, giving them information about Botswana investment opportunities. And together we joined one spirit to say we can work together as the two countries. 

    Read Also: Caviars deepens global technology reach with Botswana office

    “At the end of it all, we are using tangible projects and business connections and progress for people of Nigeria and Botswana to make sure that business dealings and business facilitation is made easy for us because we want to both benefit.”

    Speaking on areas of interest, the envoy said currently the trade between both countries are secondary and still very small, “But, you know, we are looking at opportunities where we can get more products from here, especially the natural, you know, products, you know, how you do cosmetics and stuff like that, textiles and so forth.

    “We also want to trade on skills and capacities. So there’s not much that we are doing together in terms of volumes of imports and exports, but we are here to cultivate what we have seen a big potential.”

    On the other hand, she said Nigeria can learn from her country in the area of agriculture, especially aniimal husbandry.  

    “Those that are in the agricultural sector, Botswana beef production story, livestock rearing story is very powerful. We have been exporting to the European market the best beef for decades. So we want to teach you how to do animal husbandry, produce quality beef, because here, I’m sorry, I can’t eat the beef because I’ve tasted the best.

    “So we want to collaborate for the beef development sector. But Nigeria can also invest in Botswana to do trainings and set academies for the creatives and also bring your products to Botswana. But most importantly also, or more importantly, travel to Botswana as tourists.”

    She stressed that “We believe that cultural exchange is a powerful tool for building bridges between nations. By sharing our customs, traditions, and values, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation for one another.

    “As we move forward, we’ll continue to promote people-to-people diplomacy, fostering greater understanding and cooperation. We believe that the ties between Botswana and Nigeria will grow stronger with each passing day.”

  • Botswana President promises job creation, better pay

    Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on Thursday pledged to prioritize job creation and better pay.

    Masisi made the remarks when addressing a celebration marking the International Labour Day in Francistown, Botswana’s second largest city.

    “The government is targeting and prioritising job creation through several strategies, chief amongst them, being relentless efforts to attract foreign direct investors,’’ said Masisi.

    Read Also: B’Haram: IGP seeks support from Botswana, Burkina Faso

    The president also said that his government will create an enabling environment for investors to set up businesses in the southern African country.

    With the unemployment rate estimated to be as high as 21 per cent, fighting unemployment has been at the center of Masisi’s development roadmap since he assumed office.

    “My government is also committed to intensifying skills development in order to enhance the employability of trainees and promoting harmonious labour relations,’’ he said.

    He added that Botswana has adopted measures that will contribute to the diversification of the economy.

    NAN

  • 2019: Bishop Oyedepo predicts peace in Nigeria

    Bishop David Oyedepo, the Founder and President Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide, on Saturday predicted that nothing would disturb the peace of Nigeria and its story would change for the better in the year 2019.

    Oyedepo made the declaration at the just concluded annual prophetic gathering of the Winners’ family, christened the “Dominion”, in a satellite telecast of the church.

    In the telecast monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the cleric also declared that 2019 would be a year of “I have Dominion”.

    “Nothing will tamper with the peace of Nigeria; the story will change for the better in the name of Jesus.

    “Nigeria shall not see bloodshed, the Prince of Peace will continue to dominate in Nigeria, in Africa and Nigeria is declared blessed.

    “Anywhere you step, accident is forbidden; death will not come near you and our nation.

    “Anything that is of grace in my life, I freely release upon you today.

    “God has opened the year 2019 to us, celebrate Him because its our year of “I have Dominion,” he said.

     

    The Bishop added that the year 2019 would be a year of humbling testimonies for Nigeria and pace-setting testimonies.

    He further declared that 2019 would be a colourful year for the nation.

    According to the cleric, as long as Jesus has the final say on the issues of Nigeria, it will experience greatness.

    Oyedepo said that there would be no more cause of alarm in any area of the nation and its citizens.

    He advised Christians in Nigeria to delight themselves in the spirit of servant-hood, adding that the spirit of Christ is the spirit of servant-hood.

    “The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of servant-hood. As you keep rising on the ladder of leadership, you must retain our spirit of servant-hood, constantly

    working to add value to others and be kingdom minded,” he said.

    According to him, dedication is at the root of dominion, saying: “Sow yourself as a seed by being totally dedicated to God and His Kingdom’’.

    He told his congregation that sacrificial giving guarantees the meeting of all their needs.

    “When you engage in taking care of the well-being of others, God is also committed to your well-being,” he explained.

    The cleric admonished Christians would engage in meeting the needs of the needy, every barrier on their path of destiny would be crushed.

    “Nobody tampers with your life, your career, your family and goes away with it because you are promoted to God’s kingdom.

    “God will stand for your defence in the day of trouble. Every sacrificial giver has a defence around him in the day of trouble always have that in mind,” he said.

    He reminded his congregation that the Church is not a building; the Church is a people and the Redeemed of the Lord.

    “The Church is the Body of Christ, the fullness of Him that fills all things.

    “We understand that by redemption we have been repositioned far above all principalities and powers. We also recognise that the Spirit of Faith is the guarantee for the dominion of the Saints over all gang ups of hell,” he stressed.

    Oyedepo told his congregation that Shiloh is not a church anniversary, but a place for taking delivery of all their hanging inheritance in Christ.

    “Shiloh is not a Church Programme, but a Mountain of answered prayers after the order of Hannah. Shiloh is ordained a platform for the rise of giants among us. Shiloh is a mountain of vision and revelation.

    “Shiloh is a prophetic platform for the conferment of dominion both on us as a Church and as individuals, so as to subdue the land before us,” he added.
    He said that prophetically, Shiloh was ordained a platform for conferment of dominion upon members of the Winners’ family and Nigeria at large.
    “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.’’
    According to him, the land was subdued before them “connotes dominion. Therefore, at this event, every participant shall encounter conferment of dominion in all areas of your lives’’.

    The Bishop assured that every participant would have a definite encounter with the word of God for their supernatural change of story.

    Oyedepo said: “While waiting on the Lord back in 1998 and inquiring about God’s master plan for Canaan land, among other things, God said, He would have us gather annually at Shiloh and that as we do, He will subdue the land before us by granting speedy delivery of our enviable inheritance in Christ.’’

    NAN reports that the event which started on Tuesday, would last through Dec. 9, with 55 countries in attendance while 150 other nations watched the proceeding online.

    Angola, Botswana, Cameroun, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, France and Gabon are some of the nations represented at the Shiloh.

    Others are Ghana, Kenya, Liberia and South Africa. While others from Swaziland Tanzania, Uganda, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    The Shiloh 2018 is the 20th edition of the annual Shiloh event of the Living Faith Church worldwide.

  • Zimbabwe, Malawi ban South African meat products

    Zimbabwe, Malawi ban South African meat products

    Zimbabwe and Malawi on Tuesday banned South African meat products following the outbreak of the listeria disease that has since been linked to meet products from a South African company.

    Malawi Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) stated this in a statement in Lilongwe.

    CFTC has called all retailers, wholesalers and distributors to get rid of all meat products from the South African company, Tiger Brands Unit of Enterprise Food and RCL Foods.

    The statement further adds that the CFTC will inspect all business places to ensure that the banned meat products have totally been removed from the shelves of all shops.

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    Since the government of South Africa linked the outbreak to one of its own meat production companies and instituted a recall of all the meat products involved, many southern Africa countries, have banned meat import from South Africa.

    The countries are Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi.

    Also, Zimbabwe had joined other countries in banning imports of processed meat products from South Africa after a deadly listeria outbreak there, Zimbabwe’s ministry of health said in a statement on Tuesday.

    South Africa on Monday said cold meat products were to blame for delays in tracing the cause of the world’s worst listeria outbreak, which has killed 180 people in the past year.

    NAN

  • Botswana lawmakers ban sex dolls

    Botswana lawmakers ban sex dolls

    Botswana lawmakers have placed an embargo on the importation of sex dolls for men.

    This is as contained in a section of their law that disavows men from copulating with sex dolls.

    According to Section 178 of the Botswana Penal Code, bringing sex toys in Botswana is an offence.

    The law further abolishes the right to “possess, lend, trade in, export, import, and or exhibit obscene objects or any objects tending to corrupt morals in Botswana,” which includes sex dolls.

    Women have continued to express their continued hate and disapproval for sex dolls as they believe that the potential competition will cause a surge in the rise of divorce rates and tamper human relationships as well.

    Some questioned the ability of sex dolls to bear children, support the man and the home emotionally and do the house chores.

    A social worker with expertise in complicated marriages, mental health and addiction is less positive about the sudden demand for sex dolls.

    She fears men will eventually prefer sex with robots over human love making.

    Making reactions have continued to make the rounds over this new development of the Botswana Government, as some described the treatment to men as unfair since women still get to keep other items like vibrators to aid their sexual desires.