It is with great sadness that GLF learned of the passing of Festus Mogae, GLF Member Emeritus and active Member of GLF from 2018 to 2025.

President Festus G. Mogae led the Republic of Botswana from 1998 to 2008 with great distinction, strengthening transparency and integrity in governance and Botswana’s economic management, through a period that witnessed rapid growth.  He is credited with successfully tackling Botswana’s high HIV/AIDS infection rate, and after leaving office, went on to launch the Champions for an HIV-free Generation, and to serve on the advisory board of US non-profit TeachAIDS.

Festus Mogae held many high-level international roles, including as United Nations Special Envoy for Climate Change; Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) on the peace process for the Republic of South Sudan; Chairperson of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA); Chancellor of Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) ; and Chancellor of AMREF International University in Kenya.

In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

Just as we celebrate President Mogae’s achievements and contributions to GLF, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.