Botswana Roundup: Malaria elimination, economic development, visually impaired surgeries

Miss Botswana

Miss Botswana 2025 has announced its Top 30 finalists following countrywide auditions. Reigning queen Anicia Gaothusi emphasised the importance of unity and support among contestants during the reveal event. According to Mmegionline, she advised the finalists to embrace their true selves, highlighting authenticity, uniqueness, and resilience as key to succeeding in the competition. The contestants are currently participating in a boot camp at The Escapade, where they will be narrowed down to the Top 20, and eventually to the Top 10 for the finals. Miss Botswana Public Relations Officer Ambrocia Samboko noted that they successfully met their goal of visiting 24 locations during the selection process.

Economic stability

Policymakers and experts from across Africa are gathered in Gaborone, Botswana, for the 2024 African Economic Conference, themed “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty.” The conference will address pressing economic challenges, focusing on resilience through African-led solutions, innovative financing, and technology, People’s Gazette reports. Key highlights include a keynote address by Botswana President Duma Boko, presentations from notable figures like the AfDB Chief Economist Prof. Kevin Urama, and a research competition recognising impactful academic contributions. The event aims to generate actionable recommendations for economic stability, concluding on November 25. Participants can join in person or virtually.

Malaria elimination

Botswana is intensifying efforts to eliminate malaria, having pursued this goal for over a decade despite fluctuating case numbers influenced by climate change and programmatic weaknesses. With cases typically below 1,000 annually, the focus has shifted to enhancing malaria surveillance systems through timely data collection and analysis. The Botswana Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO experts, is working to improve data reporting and inform decision-making using the DHIS2 reporting tool. National Malaria Program Officer Dr. Lisani Ntoni expressed hopes for increased confidence among users in utilizing the system, while Public Health Director Sam Kolane emphasised that strengthening health informatics capacity aligns with the Ministry's digitalisation goals.

Funding visually impaired surgeries

Collaborative efforts in Botswana have raised P315,000 ($23,056) to support the visually impaired by funding cataract surgeries and refurbishing the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired. Cataracts account for 46.9% of blindness cases in Botswana, and over 20,000 individuals are waiting for surgeries. Medlane is funding 15 cataract surgeries at P11,000 ($805.14) each, which will restore not just sight, but also independence for patients, according to Mmegionline. Meanwhile, Agora Club Botswana is leading a P150,000 refurbishment project for the centre, enhancing the living conditions for 40 children with visual impairments and learning challenges. The initiatives highlight the importance of healthcare and education in supporting vulnerable populations and aim to inspire community engagement for sustainable solutions.

Economic diversification

Botswana, heavily reliant on diamonds for 80% of its foreign earnings, is diversifying its economy following a 60% drop in diamond revenues, Africa.com reports. President Duma Boko's government aims to attract investment in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology, while also focusing on job creation in manufacturing, construction, and fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation.