Stories from Gaborone · Botswana

Botswana has decriminalized same-sex intimacy. The High Court ruled that consensual same-sex sexual relations are no longer a criminal offense. This decision aligns with international human rights standards.

The Botswanan Pula is currently one of Africa's most stable currencies. Its modern banknotes are produced using new technologies, featuring portraits of statesmen and leaders on the obverse, though not on all denominations, such as the 200 Pula note.

Botswana will host the World Athletics Relay Championships in Gaborone this weekend. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe noted the contribution of African athletes to global sports history over the last 50 years. The event is scheduled to begin on Saturday afternoon in Gaborone, Botswana. The sport requires physical exertion and mental focus, with athletes needing to control their breathing. One participant recalled a previous World Championship in Austria two years ago that involved climbing 1,800 meters of elevation. This event serves as a qualifier for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. The Belgian women's 4x400m team will compete with several new runners and replacements for top athletes Cynthia Bollingo, Léna Ponnet, and Naomi Vendon-Bruch. The team's success is noted as being for the nation.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame is scheduled to visit Botswana between May 4 and May 7. The visit includes a meeting with President Mokgweetsi Masisi in Gaborone. This marks Kagame's first visit to Gaborone since 2019.

A Chinese construction team has completed a photovoltaic solar power station project in Botswana. Local employee Sibelo Si Hanba reported experiencing professional growth while working at the project site. Construction unit director and project manager Zhang Shida announced that workers have completed professional photovoltaic training. After months of training and practice, participants passed assessments to obtain professional skill certificates. Local employee Sibelo Siwanba noted that the photovoltaic power station project is expected to make the local electricity supply more stable. The training program included theoretical and practical instruction led by industry experts. The company reported overcoming high pressure and sudden emergencies to build the power station. The project was completed through the efforts of a core team established after the contract signing.

Botswana has officially removed the legal ban on same-sex relationships.