Is Botswana’s Budget Serving Politicians or the People?

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Explore whether Botswana’s 2024/2025 budget truly serves the people or primarily benefits politicians. Featuring expert quotes, budget analysis, and reform suggestions.

Budgeting for Whom?

Botswana’s 2024/2025 national budget has been hailed as “transformational” by government officials. But many citizens and economists are asking a more critical question: Is Botswana’s budget serving politicians or the people?

With a 23.5% increase in spending and billions allocated to “Game-Changing Programmes,” the stakes are high. But so is public scepticism.

Inside the 2024/2025 Budget: Priorities and Pitfalls

Where the Money Is Going

According to the Ministry of Finance 

, the budget includes:

  • P20.82 billion for strategic investments
  • P5.43 billion for water and sanitation
  • P3.71 billion for roads and rail
  • P2.63 billion for food security
  • P1.1 billion for research and innovation

“The numbers look impressive, but the real question is: who benefits?” asks Dr. Keith Jefferis, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Botswana. “We need to look beyond allocations and examine outcomes.”

Political Optics vs. Public Impact

The Rise of Budget Branding

The 2024/2025 budget was launched under the hashtags #MyBudget #YourBudget #OurBudget, part of a broader communications strategy.

“There’s a lot of political theatre in how the budget is presented,” says Neo Dimbungu, a development economist at the University of Botswana. “But slogans don’t build schools or fix roads.”

Election-Year Spending?

With elections on the horizon, some analysts worry that the budget is being used to curry favor with voters.

“We’re seeing a spike in allocations to sectors that are politically visible—like sports and arts,” notes Boitumelo Molefhe of Econsult Botswana. “That’s not necessarily bad, but it raises questions about priorities.”

Are the People Really Benefiting?

Unemployment and Inequality Persist

Despite increased spending, Botswana’s unemployment rate remains high, especially among youth. Income inequality also continues to widen.

“Throwing money at problems without structural reform is like pouring water into a leaking bucket,” says Naledi Madala, economist at Absa Bank Botswana.

The Informal Sector: Still Underserved

The Chema Chema Fund, a P200 million initiative to support informal businesses, is a step forward


but many say it’s not enough.

“The informal sector needs more than funding—it needs training, access to markets, and legal protections,” adds Madala.

Transparency and Accountability: Still Lacking

Where’s the Oversight?

Botswana’s budget process still lacks real-time public oversight. Budget execution reports for 2024 remain unavailable 

.

“Without transparency, we can’t hold anyone accountable,” says Dimbungu. “And that’s when budgets start serving politicians more than people.”

What Needs to Change?

To ensure the budget truly serves the people, Botswana must:

  1. Publish quarterly budget execution reports.
  2. Link spending to measurable outcomes.
  3. Engage citizens in budget planning and monitoring.
  4. Cap political influence in budget allocations.
  5. Invest in long-term structural reforms, not just short-term optics.

Internal & External Resources

For more on governance and public finance, read our post on Botswana’s Tender Policies and Corruption.

Budgeting for the People Starts with Accountability

Botswana’s budget has the potential to transform lives but only if it’s designed and executed with the people in mind. Until transparency and accountability become the norm, the question will remain: Is the budget serving politicians or the people?

What’s your take on Botswana’s 2024/2025 budget?

Do you feel it reflects your needs and priorities? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on African finance and governance.

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