ITHUBA Addresses Inaccuracies in Mmegi Article on Botswana National Lottery

ITHUBA Addresses Inaccuracies in Mmegi Article on Botswana National LLottery. ITHUBA, the African lottery operator active in South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania, has publicly responded to an article published by Mmegi on 11 July 2025 titled “Fronting, irregularities put National Lottery on cancellation.” The article raised concerns about the Botswana National Lottery procurement process and alleged irregularities involving ITHUBA.

In its statement, ITHUBA clarifies that it was lawfully awarded the 10-year Botswana National Lottery licence following a transparent procurement process overseen by the Botswana Gambling Authority (GA). The company notes that any allegations of fronting or procedural irregularities were addressed in court, where ITHUBA was cleared of wrongdoing.

ITHUBA highlights that it has already invested over P250 million in legal, operational, and preparatory work toward launching the National Lottery in Botswana. This includes forming local partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development. The company warns that an abrupt halt to the process could undermine investor confidence in Botswana’s business environment, especially since the procurement outcome has been legally affirmed.

The operator further emphasizes that government ministers do not have unilateral authority to cancel a completed procurement process, particularly one upheld by legal rulings. ITHUBA rejects the suggestion of fronting as false and potentially defamatory, affirming its compliance with local ownership and regulatory requirements.

ITHUBA stresses the importance of launching the National Lottery, which has been anticipated since 2017, to generate social development, jobs, and economic opportunities for Botswana’s citizens. The company calls on media outlets to verify facts before publishing claims that could damage institutions and investor confidence.

ITHUBA remains committed to collaborating with Botswana authorities and stakeholders to realize the National Lottery project. For further inquiries, the company directs media to contact its Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs.