STATE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FESTUS GONTEBANYE MOGAE – 14 May 2026

National memorial service for Botswana's third President, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who served from 1998 to 2008. Born in Serowe, on 21 August 1939, to a family of cattle farmers, President Mogae began his career in Botswana's civil service, rising to roles including Governor of the Bank of Botswana and Minister of Finance before becoming Vice President in 1992. As President, he managed diamond-driven growth while prioritising HIV/AIDS response, achieving one of Africa's most comprehensive programmes that reduced prevalence rates. He championed conservation, co-opening the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and serving on the Kalahari Conservation Society. Post-presidency, Mogae received the 2008 Ibrahim Prize for African leadership and acted as UN Special Envoy on Climate Change. He passed away aged 86 in Gaborone. President Mogae died on 8 May 2026.