Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members of Parliament, Bagaetsho,
I rise in full support of the 2026/27 Budget presented by the Honourable Minister of Finance under the theme of economic transformation and fiscal prudence. This budget lays a strong and necessary foundation. It recognizes that Botswana must modernize its systems, strengthen accountability, and diversify beyond diamonds.
But Honourable Members, a foundation alone is not enough. We must build upon it so that it speaks directly to the daily realities of poverty, unemployment, inequality, and rural underdevelopment.
Acknowledging the Positives
This budget makes important commitments:
• The review of the Public Finance Management framework and rollout of e-procurement will enhance accountability and reduce waste.
• The ring-fencing of BWP 1.85 billion for infrastructure maintenance is prudent. We have too often built without maintaining.
• Modernization of the tax system will broaden the revenue base and ensure sustainability.
• The clear recognition that we must diversify beyond diamonds is both timely and urgent.
These are commendable steps. They demonstrate seriousness about fiscal discipline and structural reform. But fiscal prudence must walk hand in hand with social justice.
How the Economy is Performing
Our economy has struggled. In 2024 it contracted sharply. In 2025 growth remained weak. The reason is clear: over-dependence on diamonds. When diamonds slow down, Botswana slows down.
Growth is projected to recover modestly in 2026. That is welcome. But unless we fundamentally diversify into agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, and services, such growth will remain fragile.
Productivity and Services
Weak productivity means we are not getting the best returns from our workers and investments.
• The farmer without irrigation harvests less.
• The teacher in overcrowded classrooms struggles to deliver results.
• The nurse working with outdated equipment cannot serve efficiently.
Improving skills, maintaining infrastructure, and empowering the private sector are therefore the correct strategic directions.
Cost of Living Pressures
Inflation may appear moderate on paper, but for ordinary families rising electricity, fuel, and food prices are deeply felt realities.
Macroeconomic stability is important. But stability alone does not fill the pot. We must cushion vulnerable households through targeted food support, efficient cash transfers, and rural economic opportunities.
National Savings and Debt
Botswana once had strong savings buffers. Today, those reserves are significantly reduced, and debt levels have increased.
Fiscal discipline is necessary. But discipline must be fair. Revenue mobilization must not disproportionately burden the poor, and expenditure restraint must not undermine essential social services.
Jobs: Our Greatest Urgency
Unemployment remains our greatest crisis.
It is the graduate in Borakalalo waiting endlessly for opportunity.
It is the youth in Magokotswane seeking dignity through work.
To translate this budget into jobs:
• At least 30% of government procurement should target local SMEs.
• Public works programmes must be expanded to absorb unemployed youth.
• Underutilized school facilities can be converted into vocational training centres for carpentry, tailoring, agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy skills.
Jobs are dignity. Jobs are stability. Jobs are hope.
Poverty and Inequality
Poverty is not an abstract statistic. It is lived daily by families across Molepolole North and beyond.
Botswana remains one of the most unequal societies in the region. Closing this gap requires:
• Progressive taxation principles.
• VAT relief on essential goods.
• Equal access to healthcare, housing, education, and digital connectivity.
• Targeted support for rural students and vulnerable households.
Inequality is ultimately about opportunity. A child in Mahetlhwe must have the same chance as a child in Gaborone.
Rural Development and Green Growth
Diversification must include our villages.
• Support farmers with irrigation, training, and agro-processing.
• Expand community solar projects to lower energy costs and create jobs.
• Establish recycling and green enterprise hubs for youth employment.
If villages thrive, Botswana thrives.
Governance and Accountability
Fiscal prudence must be reinforced by strong institutions.
• We must strengthen judicial independence and constitutional oversight mechanisms.
• Citizens should participate in district-level budget consultations.
• Transparent digital systems should allow the public to track government spending.
Trust is the currency of governance.
Clarification on Misleading Claims by the Leader of Opposition
Honourable Speaker,
In responding to this Budget, the Leader of Opposition misled Parliament and the nation by alleging that the current Government is seeking to enter the gambling business.
Let us place facts on record:
• The Botswana Government, through the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), has long held investment interests in the Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, which operates a casino. This investment predates the current administration.
• Gambling operations are regulated independently by the Botswana Gambling Authority under the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship. Government acts as investor through BDC, not as gambling regulator.
Similarly:
• The Government owns the Botswana Savings Bank.
• It is regulated independently by the Bank of Botswana under the Ministry of Finance.
Ownership does not negate regulation. Investment does not eliminate oversight. The suggestion that this Government is newly venturing into gambling is factually incorrect and politically misleading.
We must debate policy vigorously, yes — but we must not distort facts.
Conclusion
Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members,
This Budget provides a solid foundation for economic transformation and fiscal prudence. It modernizes governance systems and acknowledges the urgency of diversification.
But we must sharpen it:
• Jobs now.
• Poverty relief now.
• Rural empowerment now.
• Fiscal rebuilding with fairness.
Let us build not merely a stable economy, but a just society — a Botswana where every Motswana has food, work, dignity, and opportunity.
I therefore commend this Budget to the House and urge that we strengthen it so that it becomes not merely a fiscal document, but a covenant of hope and justice for all Batswana.
I thank you.
