The Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) has called on government to urgently realign its economic strategy with the growing hardships facing workers.
The union warned that rising costs across key sectors are placing unsustainable pressure on households.
In a press release issued Wednesday, BOPEU said the current economic environment demands a shift in priorities, with greater emphasis on citizen welfare rather than what it termed “non-essential expenditures.”
“Government must reconsider its approach to governance, especially regarding its planned expenditures during these difficult economic times,” said BOPEU president Martin O Gabobake. He added that “It is essential that the government adopts a strategy that primarily focuses on the needs and welfare of society and its citizens.”
The union’s warning comes as Botswana prepares for the 2026/27 fiscal year under what it describes as a challenging economic outlook marked by escalating living costs.
Among the key concerns raised by BOPEU are rising fuel prices which it says are driving up the cost of living across the board. “The increasing cost of fuel directly affects nearly every part of daily life, causing higher costs for households and businesses alike,” the statement noted.
Food prices have also surged, further straining family budgets. The union warned that essential commodities are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many citizens, deepening economic vulnerability among low- and middle-income earners.
Transport costs, closely tied to fuel increases, are another major burden. BOPEU said the continued rise in fares is limiting mobility for workers while simultaneously increasing the price of goods and services.
Healthcare affordability is also under pressure, with the union pointing to escalating medical aid costs. “As healthcare remains a vital part of society, the increasing expenses associated with medical aid add extra strain to family budgets,” the statement said.
Particularly alarming, according to BOPEU, is a proposed 46 percent increase in electricity tariffs by the Botswana Power Corporation, which it warned could significantly worsen financial pressures on households already grappling with rising costs.
“The rising prices of these essential commodities are negatively impacting workers and the wider community,” Gabobake said. “It is vital for the government to outline a clear and practical plan that tackles these urgent issues.”
In addition, the union expressed concern over proposed changes to the tax regime, including adjustments to income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT), arguing that such measures could further erode disposable incomes if not carefully managed.
“The rising prices of these essential commodities are negatively impacting workers and the wider community,” Gabobake said. “It is vital for the government to outline a clear and practical plan that tackles these urgent issues.”
BOPEU is now urging authorities, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to convene the Sub High Level Consultative Committee to urgently address the crisis. The union believes this platform can facilitate meaningful dialogue and lead to targeted interventions.
Central to its demands is the reallocation of government spending towards initiatives that provide immediate relief to citizens. “This includes setting aside non-essential expenditures to ensure resources are allocated to initiatives that will support those most affected,” the union stated.
The call comes amid growing concern from labour groups and civil society over the widening gap between wages and the cost of living, with many workers reporting increased difficulty in meeting basic needs.
BOPEU stressed that decisive action is needed to prevent further economic strain and to build a more sustainable environment for citizens. “It is imperative
