Republic of Botswana: landlocked, Southern Africa
President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second term with about 60% of the August vote, while the opposition leader Mundubile faces treason charges after post-election arrests as security operations raise concerns about the electoral process.
Davis-Woodhall has been sidelined by a severe concussion from a head-on crash while en route to training. She remains uncertain for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest as doctors pursue a full recovery and her team weighs readiness for the event.
World Athletics has awarded Nairobi the 2029 World Championships, marking Africa’s first hosting of the event. Munich will stage 2031, while London and Rome miss out. Kenya touts upgrades to Kasarani Stadium and infrastructure as a historic milestone for African sport.
Women farmers form a large share of Africa’s agricultural workforce, but face higher risks, less land, and limited access to finance and tools. El Niño-driven droughts highlight the need for inclusive, gender-aware climate resilience and investment in irrigation and resources.
Botswana has authorised the hunting of 23 elephants and other wildlife to supply meat for Independence Day celebrations, a move critics say risks conservation and public health amid concerns over fair meat distribution and foot-and-mouth disease. Authorities say proceeds support communities and conservation, while residents express unease.
Senegal has opened the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar with about 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 across 25 sports. The event marks Africa’s first hosting of the Youth Olympics. While officials tout sport as a development tool, many Senegalese face rising living costs and job scarcity, prompting questions about prioritising youth needs alongside the games.