Festus Mogae: key obituary facts
Is Festus Mogae dead? Yes. Festus Mogae died on May 8, 2026, at age 86.
Cause of death: Festus Mogae's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Festus Mogae known for?
He was known as President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008.
More about Festus Mogae
Born: 21 August 1939.
Place of birth: Serowe.
Place of death: Gaborone.
Gender: male.
Occupation: politician.
Nationality: Botswana.
Education: University College, Oxford, University of Sussex.
Awards: Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, Knight of the National Order of Mali, Officer of the National Order of the Ivory Coast.
Spouse: Barbara Gemma Mogae.
Also known as: Festus Gontebanye Mogae.
Festus Mogae, the Motswana president from 1998 to 2008 and an economist, died on May 8, 2026, at the age of 86.
He was Botswana’s third president, succeeding Quett Masire in 1998 and serving until 2008, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama. Born in Serowe in 1939, Mogae studied economics in the United Kingdom at University College, Oxford, and the University of Sussex before returning to Botswana to work as a civil servant.
He later served with the International Monetary Fund and the Bank of Botswana, including as governor from 1980 to 1981, and was Minister of Finance from 1989 to 1998.
Festus Mogae, 86, Motswana president (1998-2008) and economist.