The country has identified new sub-variants of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, the government announced, stating that the sub-variants were dominant in other countries in Europe and Asia

The government extended the derogation for the export of live cattle, primarily to South Africa, until 30 April, as the Botswana Meat Commission, the only institution statutorily authorised to export meat products, continued to face operational problems

A total of 98 children were born on 1 January 2025, more than doubling last year's 46 children; the figure is seen as a good omen after President Duma Boko recently announced new programmes to encourage citizens to generate more children

400 elephant hunting licenses have been issued on top of permits for other species amid fresh opposition from conservationists; international hunters pay up to $50.000 to obtain a license in order to hunt an elephant

Only 28 women stood for Parliament out of 258 contestants, or 10,85%, and only three women won their seats, 4,92% of the 61 seats; on the other hand, women represent 54% of those eligible to vote