Festus Mogae

University College deeply regrets to report that Honorary Fellow Festus Gontebanye Mogae (1965, PPE), former President of Botswana, died on 8 May 2026.

Born on 21 August 1939 in the village of Serowe in central Botswana, Mogae attended Moeng College in Botswana before going on to study economics at Northwest London Polytechnic. In 1965, he came to Oxford to study PPE at University College as an undergraduate before completing his MA in Development Economics at the University of Sussex.

Following his studies, Mogae returned to Botswana in 1968 and joined the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, where he rose through the ranks. He went on to serve as Alternate and Executive Director for Anglophone Africa at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. and subsequently returned to Botswana to take up the position of Governor of the National Bank. Later, Mogae became Permanent Secretary to President Ketumile Masire before being appointed Minister of Finance. In 1992 he became Vice President and in 1998 he was sworn in as the third President of Botswana.

President Mogae was an exemplary statesman who displayed integrity along with an unwavering commitment to robust economic governance. He served for a decade as Botswana’s third President and, during his term, strengthened the country’s stability and ensured growth.

Mogae showed great prescience and courage in confronting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, declaring a national emergency and overseeing the country’s response. Botswana became the first African nation to provide free antiretroviral therapy to all infected citizens, and Mogae underwent a public HIV test to battle the stigma around testing. Under his presidential leadership, the government brought together political determination and innovative policies to widen access to care and treatment, saving lives and creating a model that other countries could follow.

After his time as president, Mogae continued to work tirelessly to advance international efforts on public health, climate change and the pursuit of peace. He continued his efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and led Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation, a distinguished group of formers presidents and influential African leaders committed to eradicating AIDS.

In 2008, President Mogae received the  Ibrahim Prize for achievement in African Leadership. Mo Ibrahim, founder and chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said: “Festus was not only a close friend, but someone who stood with the Foundation from its very beginning, sharing our belief in the importance of strong, principled leadership. He was a true statesman, who used his wisdom and experience to advance Africa’s development where it matters most: in the wellbeing of its people. He was deeply committed to ensuring that every African could live in health, in dignity, and in peace.”

Portrait of Festus Mogae

In recognition of his exemplary career and far-reaching achievements, a portrait of Festus Mogae was unveiled at University College in 2013. The striking painting, which was painted by David Cobley and hangs in Hall on the South Wall, shows him wearing his University College tie and features a map of central Africa in the background.

The College would like to express its deepest condolences to President Mogae’s wife, Barbara Mogae, and their three daughters.

Published: 21 May 2026