Botswana is confronting growing fiscal challenges as rising public debt, a widening budget deficit, and soaring household borrowing put increasing strain on the country’s economy. The nation’s heavy dependence on diamond revenues, primarily from Debswana, has left government finances vulnerable to global market swings, pushing the government to rely more on borrowing to fund its operations. This has tightened both public and household balance sheets, raising alarm among policymakers and international observers alike. Projections for...

The University of Botswana (UB) is making a bold leap toward environmental leadership, unveiling an ambitious Green Campus Programme that could redefine sustainability across the African continent. In a sweeping initiative that spans water conservation, waste recycling, and solar energy deployment, UB is positioning itself not just as an academic institution but as a living laboratory for green innovation. This is no mere token effort; it’s poised to save millions in utility costs while drastically...

Botswana’s prison service currently manages 22 facilities, including a center for illegal immigrants, with an official capacity of 4,337 inmates. This information was disclosed this week in Parliament by Nelson Ramaotwana, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, during his committee of supply presentation for the Botswana Prison Service (BPS). As of March 18, 2026, the prison population stood at 4,457, including two children accompanying their mothers, Mr. Ramaotwana revealed. This number exceeds the authorized...

As 2026 unfolds, Botswana’s storied economic stability is under unprecedented strain, laying bare a clash of visions within its political elite over how to navigate mounting financial pressures. A recent parliamentary battle over raising Botswana’s debt ceiling from 40 percent to 60 percent of GDP has exposed stark disagreements between the government, led by Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe, and the opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP), headed by Dumelang Saleshando. This debate...