Botswana’s Gambling Authority has appointed Moruntshi Kemorwale as its substantive Chief Executive Officer after nearly a year in the role on an acting basis. The appointment, approved by the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Hon. Tiroeaone Ntsima, places one of the regulator’s longest serving executives at the helm as it continues overseeing the country’s regulated gambling market.
Internal appointment follows almost a decade at regulator
Kemorwale has been part of the Gambling Authority since it was established in 2016. During that time, he has held several senior leadership positions and played a role in developing the regulator’s operational and responsible gambling frameworks.
He assumed the role of acting CEO in August 2025 following the suspension of former chief executive Peter Kesitilwe. Before that appointment, he served as Chief of Staff, where he was responsible for strategic planning, organisational performance and stakeholder engagement.
Earlier in his career at the Authority, he was Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs, overseeing consumer protection initiatives, public awareness campaigns and corporate communications.
The board recommended Kemorwale for the permanent position after an internal recruitment process that assessed candidates’ experience in gambling regulation, governance and institutional management. His appointment was then submitted to the Minister for final approval in line with the Authority’s governance procedures.
Career spans mining, public service and media
Kemorwale’s career also includes roles at the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime and the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board. In addition, he previously worked as a presenter on Botswana Television’s Matlho-A-Phage programme, adding media and public communication experience to his professional background.
Kemorwale holds a Master of Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. He has also completed professional training in leadership and responsible gambling and is pursuing doctoral studies in business leadership.
Focus on regulation and financial sustainability
During his tenure as acting CEO, Kemorwale represented the Authority before Botswana’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises, where he outlined plans to reduce the regulator’s reliance on government funding.
He said the Authority had increased revenue through licensing fees, monitoring fees and other regulatory income streams. The regulator is seeking to reduce government subvention while strengthening its financial position through internally generated revenue. At the same time, the Authority continues to oversee responsible gambling programmes, public education campaigns and efforts to address illegal gambling activities.
Board welcomes appointment
Gambling Authority Board Chairperson Plato Gaoboi welcomed Kemorwale’s appointment, saying the board looked forward to working with him as the regulator continues its oversight of Botswana’s gambling sector.
Gaoboi said the Board believes Kemorwale’s extensive institutional experience, strategic leadership and focus on responsible gambling position him well to lead the Authority’s next phase. He added that the Board looks forward to working with him to further strengthen regulatory oversight and build stakeholder confidence.
The Gambling Authority regulates casinos, betting, lotteries, bingo and other licensed gambling activities in Botswana. It is responsible for licensing operators, enforcing regulatory compliance and promoting responsible gambling across the sector as the market continues to develop.
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