Former Botswana President Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86, according to government announcements on May 8, 2026.
A respected leader, he served as the country’s third president from 1998 to 2008, widely credited with fostering economic growth and tackling the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Three days of national mourning have been declared.
President Duma Boko has announced.
“Today Botswana mourns a distinguished statesman and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country,” Boko announced, adding that Mogae died early on Friday.
Known as a champion of good governance and democracy in Africa, Mogae oversaw a period of significant economic stability, often cited as the “architect” of Botswana’s economic prosperity.
He was widely praised for his proactive, transparent approach to fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic when Botswana faced one of the highest infection rates in the world, introducing major treatment programs.
He served two terms and oversaw a smooth handover to his successor, Ian Khama, in 2008, cementing his reputation as a democratic leader.
Born in 1939 in Serowe, Mogae was an economist by training, serving in the civil service before becoming Finance Minister and then Vice President.
