Botswana: Economic and Political Overview

In this page: Economic Indicators | Foreign Trade in Figures | Sources of General Economic Information | Political Outline | COVID-19 Country Response

Economic Indicators

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Botswana has one of the strongest economies in Africa and, according to the IMF, GDP grew by an estimated 4.1% in 2022, mainly driven by diamond exports and domestic demand. In the coming years, the country's economy should continue to grow, with GDP growth expected to reach 4% in 2023 and 2024. Investment in the mining sector and the rebound of the prices of hard commodities (diamond, copper, and nickel) should contribute to this performance.

Botswana has always maintained a conservative fiscal policy and low levels of foreign debt and, although general government debt increased to an estimated 21.3% in 2022 following a large fiscal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana's debt is still substantially lower than its neighbours. In 2023, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decrease to 19.6%, with the phase-out of pandemic measures, and decline further in 2024, to 17.9%. Furthermore, Botswana's current account balance stood at 2% in 2022, and it is expected to reach 2.5% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024, mainly due to the recovery of diamond revenue and an increase in tourism. In 2022, inflation remained above the central bank’s 3 – 6% target range. According to the Central Bank of Botswana, the rise in inflation in 2022 mainly reflected broad-based increase in the annual price changes for most categories of goods and services and, particularly, the upward adjustment in domestic fuel prices. However, inflation should decrease in the coming years, reaching 5.8% and 4.6% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Although the country's “Economic Recovery and Transformation” plan, which was implemented to fight the effect of the pandemic on the economy, created fiscal pressures on the short run, Botswana's recovery packages have been effective in boosting economic activity, which has been recovering in the past few years. The fiscal consolidation policy the government is implementing should contribute to reducing the deficit and rebuild buffers in the medium term. Despite these positive outlooks, the growth level will remain too low to achieve Botswana’s development objectives and create enough jobs to absorb the new entrants. The government’s priority is to diversify the economy, making it less dependent on a volatile mining sector, and rely more on agriculture, services, and manufacturing. Botswana is working to expand its services industry by creating 'hubs' in the health, education, innovation, financial services, and tourism sectors, which it hopes will also strengthen its regional integration. Public spending will continue to advance at a more rapid pace, prioritising areas identified in the National Development Plan 11 (NDP11) that focuses on three key objectives: tackling poverty, ensuring inclusive growth, and job creation.

Botswana is regularly ranked first among African countries regarding governance and transparency. Its primary assets are its robust regulatory framework and facilitated procedures for property registration. However, despite its relative prosperity, Botswana still has one of the highest levels of inequality in the world and suffers a high unemployment rate and a lack of skilled labour. According to the last available data, in 2021, the unemployment rate in the country was an estimated 24%, and it was especially high among young people. In September 2021, the country approved the The National Employment Policy for Botswana, a plan which aims to provide a comprehensive response to the challenge of unemployment facing the country.

Main Indicators	2020	2021	2022 (E)	2023 (E)	2024 (E)
GDP (billions USD)	14.93	18.77	19.18	19.57	20.91
GDP (Constant Prices, Annual % Change)	-8.7	11.8	6.4	3.7	4.3
GDP per Capita (USD)	5,863	7,235	7,257	7,271	7,627
General Government Gross Debt (in % of GDP)	18.7	19.0	19.9	20.6	19.3
Inflation Rate (%)	1.9	6.7	12.2	6.5	5.2
Current Account (billions USD)	-1.29	-0.09	0.60	0.65	1.13
Current Account (in % of GDP)	-8.7	-0.5	3.1	3.3	5.4

Source: IMF – World Economic Outlook Database , Latest available data

Note: (e) Estimated Data

Main Sectors of Industry

Botswana is the world's second largest diamond producer and it possesses one of the largest coal reserves in Africa (an estimated 212 billion tonnes). Uranium, copper and shale gas are also abundant in the country. Agriculture contributes to only 1.7% of GDP and employs 19.9% of the population, according to the World Bank. However, it is an important source of income for many Botswanans who live in rural areas. Cattle raising dominates the sector and contributes to 80% to the agricultural GDP. Cattle population nearly equals human population, therefore most livestock production is export-oriented (towards the European Union and other destinations). As desert and poor soils cover more than 70% of the country, arable land is very scarce. Crop production is not too dynamic, mainly due to traditional farming methods, erratic rainfall, recurrent droughts and erosion. The crop sub-sector is dominated by the production of cereals, with sorghum accounting for 72% of national cereal production, followed by maize (17%) and millet (6%). In 2022, the agricultural sector greatly benefited from an expansion in the country's planted area and favourable weather, which lead to above-average cereal yields.

The industrial sector contributes to 29.7% of GDP and employs 17.6%, which is dominated by diamond processing, food processing (mostly beef), textiles and mining. Diamond mining and processing is also a major source of government revenue and foreign currency. Copper, gold, nickel and soda ash production also hold a significant place in the economy. While the diamond industry was particularly impacted by the pandemic, especially when it comes to diamond exports, the sector showed a steady growth in 2022 - a trend which should continue in the coming years.

The service sector is by far the largest component of GDP and accounts for 63.6% of the economy and employs 62.5% of the active population. The expanding sectors are tourism (notably ecotourism) and transportation. The total contribution of tourism to GDP stands at 11% whereas its total contribution to employment reaches 7.1% (World Travel & Tourism Council 2017). The country has some of the most unique ecosystems in the world and is a major safari destination. Botswana has a growing financial sector and the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) is among the best performing stock exchanges in Africa. Although the services sector was hit the hardest during the pandemic, particularly the tourism industry, it showed a significant recovery in 2022.

Breakdown of Economic Activity By Sector	Agriculture	Industry	Services
Employment By Sector (in % of Total Employment)	19.9	17.6	62.5
Value Added (in % of GDP)	1.7	29.7	63.6
Value Added (Annual % Change)	-2.9	19.4	7.8

Source: World Bank - Latest available data.

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Monetary Indicators	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Botswana Pula (BWP) - Average Annual Exchange Rate For 1 MUR	0.31	0.30	0.30	0.30	0.29

Source: World Bank - Latest available data.

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Indicator of Economic Freedom

Definition

Definition:

The Economic freedom index measure ten components of economic freedom, grouped into four broad categories or pillars of economic freedom: Rule of Law (property rights, freedom from corruption); Limited Government (fiscal freedom, government spending); Regulatory Efficiency (business freedom, labour freedom, monetary freedom); and Open Markets (trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom). Each of the freedoms within these four broad categories is individually scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A country’s overall economic freedom score is a simple average of its scores on the 10 individual freedoms.

Score:: 67,6/100
World Rank:: 51
Regional Rank:: 3

Economic freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Index of Economic Freedom, Heritage Foundation

Country Risk

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Foreign Trade in Figures

Botswana has made significant efforts to open up to international trade and strengthen its integration in the region, despite its geographical position. According to World Bank, international trade accounted for 94.5% of the country's GDP in 2021. Diamonds represent 90.1% of the country’s total exports, while other significant exports included insulated electric conductors (1.5%), copper ores (1.5%), live bovine animals (1.1%), and carbonates (0.6%). Botswana primarily imports diamonds (35.1%), petroleum oils (9.7%), motor vehicles (3.7%), electrical energy (1.7%), and medicaments (1.6%). The country is heavily dependent on electricity imports, as it only produces 60% of its needs domestically. Botswana’s trade balance is highly dependent on global prices and demand for diamonds.

The United Arab Emirates, Belgium, India, South Africa, and Israel are the country’s leading exports destination. South Africa, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Namibia are its main suppliers. The country is a member of several regional and foreign trade organisations like the WTO, the SACU (South African Customs Union), and the SADC (Southern African Development Community), and has signed trade agreements with the European Union and the United States. Botswana is among the freest economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the last available data from the WTO, Botswana exported USD 7.2 billion worth of goods in 2021, while its goods imports reached USD 8.3 billion. As for services, the country imported USD 1.1 billion and exported USD 468 million. As a result, the country's overall trade balance equalled USD 1.3 billion in 2021. Overall, imports increased 2.7% compared to the previous year, while exports grew by 32.8%, as global demand for diamonds bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Imports of Goods (million USD)	5,321	6,312	6,564	6,516	8,359
Exports of Goods (million USD)	5,904	6,573	5,237	4,262	7,206
Imports of Services (million USD)	818	1,111	1,041	679	1,127
Exports of Services (million USD)	947	924	882	486	468
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	-12.9	15.9	11.9	5.2	2.7
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	-5.5	11.9	-7.1	-18.1	32.8
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	39.0	43.2	46.1	46.5	49.9
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	42.9	44.2	37.2	31.4	44.6
Trade Balance (million USD)	813	486	-1,066	-1,969	-652
Trade Balance (Including Service) (million USD)	623	170	-1,467	-2,603	-1,346
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	81.9	87.5	83.2	77.8	94.5

Source: WTO – World Trade Organisation ; World Bank , Latest Available Data

Main Partner Countries

Main Customers (% of Exports)	2022
United Arab Emirates	27.2%
Belgium	18.8%
India	15.2%
South Africa	10.1%
Hong Kong SAR, China	6.5%
Israel	6.0%
Singapore	4.5%
China	3.1%
Namibia	2.2%
United States	2.0%
Zimbabwe	0.8%
Cambodia	0.7%
Anguilla	0.6%
Switzerland	0.5%
Japan	0.4%
Zambia	0.4%
Vietnam	0.2%
United Kingdom	0.1%
Mozambique	0.1%
Canada	0.1%
See More Countries	22.1%

Main Suppliers (% of Imports)	2022
South Africa	62.8%
Namibia	7.2%
Belgium	5.6%
India	4.4%
Canada	3.6%
China	2.5%
United States	1.5%
United Arab Emirates	1.4%
Brazil	1.3%
Zambia	0.8%
Japan	0.7%
Singapore	0.7%
Germany	0.7%
Mozambique	0.7%
United Kingdom	0.6%
Switzerland	0.6%
Russia	0.6%
Australia	0.6%
Hong Kong SAR, China	0.4%
Zimbabwe	0.3%
See More Countries	16.3%

Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data

Main Products

8.3 bn USD of products exported in 2022
Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted...Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set (excl. unmounted stones for pick-up styluses, worked stones, suitable for use as parts of meters, measuring instruments or other articles of chapter 90)	87.2%
Copper ores and concentratesCopper ores and concentrates	3.9%
Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire,...Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire, cable "incl. coaxial cable" and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors	1.8%
Live bovine animalsLive bovine animals	1.2%
Carbonates; peroxocarbonates "percarbonates";...Carbonates; peroxocarbonates "percarbonates"; commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate	0.7%
Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels...Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal	0.6%
Salts, incl. table salt and denatured salt, and...Salts, incl. table salt and denatured salt, and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solution or containing added anti-caking or free-flowing agents; sea water	0.3%
Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought...Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought or not further worked than semi-manufactured or in powder form	0.3%
Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic...Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera and other blood fractions and immunological products, whether or not modified or obtained by means of biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excl. yeasts) and similar products	0.2%
Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g...Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g. joints, elbows, flanges, of plastics	0.2%
Powered aircraft "e.g. helicopters and aeroplanes...Powered aircraft "e.g. helicopters and aeroplanes"; spacecraft, incl. satellites, and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles	0.2%
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl....Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl. chassis with engine and cab	0.2%
Bedlinen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen...Bedlinen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen of all types of textile materials (excl. floorcloths, polishing cloths, dishcloths and dusters)	0.2%
Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders,...Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and roadrollers	0.1%
Meat of bovine animals, frozenMeat of bovine animals, frozen	0.1%
See More Products	5.4%

8.0 bn USD of products imported in 2022
Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted...Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set (excl. unmounted stones for pick-up styluses, worked stones, suitable for use as parts of meters, measuring instruments or other articles of chapter 90)	27.6%
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous...Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (excl. crude); preparations containing >= 70% by weight of petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic constituents of the preparations, n.e.s.; waste oils containing mainly petroleum or bituminous minerals	16.8%
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally...Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, incl. station wagons and racing cars (excl. motor vehicles of heading 8702)	1.8%
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in...Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form	1.7%
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl....Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, incl. chassis with engine and cab	1.7%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machinery of heading 8425 to 8430, n.e.s.	1.3%
Electrical energyElectrical energy	1.2%
Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed...Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses "incl. those in the form of transdermal administration" or in forms or packings for retail sale (excl. goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)	1.1%
Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles...Parts and accessories for tractors, motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons, motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, motor vehicles for the transport of goods and special purpose motor vehicles of heading 8701 to 8705, n.e.s.	1.0%
Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire,...Insulated "incl. enamelled or anodised" wire, cable "incl. coaxial cable" and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors	0.9%
Telephone sets, incl. telephones for cellular...Telephone sets, incl. telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, incl. apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network [such as a local or wide area network]; parts thereof (excl. than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8443, 8525, 8527 or 8528)	0.9%
Wheat and meslinWheat and meslin	0.9%
Automatic data-processing machines and units...Automatic data-processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, n.e.s.	0.8%
Maize or cornMaize or corn	0.8%
New pneumatic tyres, of rubberNew pneumatic tyres, of rubber	0.8%
Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not...Cement, incl. cement clinkers, whether or not coloured	0.7%
Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters,...Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured, and other non-alcoholic beverages (excl. fruit or vegetable juices and milk)	0.7%
Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders,...Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and roadrollers	0.6%
Machinery for sorting, screening, separating,...Machinery for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances, in solid, incl. powder or paste, form; machinery for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid mineral fuels, ceramic paste, unhardened cements, plastering materials or other mineral products in powder or paste form; machines for forming foundry moulds of sand; parts thereof	0.6%
Sunflower-seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and...Sunflower-seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified	0.6%
RiceRice	0.5%
Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges...Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges and bridge-sections, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns", of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of iron or steel (excl. prefabricated buildings of heading 9406)	0.5%
Soap; organic surface-active products and...Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soap; paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent	0.5%
Cider, perry, mead and other fermented beverages...Cider, perry, mead and other fermented beverages and mixtures of fermented beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, n.e.s. (excl. beer, wine or fresh grapes, grape must, vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes flavoured with plants or aromatic substances)	0.5%
Mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilisers (excl....Mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilisers (excl. those in pellet or similar forms, or in packages with a gross weight of <= 10 kg)	0.5%
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles,...Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorised, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles, n.e.s.	0.5%
Beer made from maltBeer made from malt	0.5%
Sauce and preparations therefor; mixed condiments...Sauce and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings; mustard flour and meal, whether or not prepared, and mustard	0.4%
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting...Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, e.g., switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp holders and junction boxes, for a voltage <= 1.000 v (excl. control desks, cabinets, panels etc. of heading 8537)	0.4%
Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable...Fruit juices, incl. grape must, and vegetable juices, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter	0.4%
Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g....Electrical transformers, static converters, e.g. rectifiers, and inductors; parts thereof	0.4%
Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated...Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms	0.4%
Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations...Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin, incl. sunscreen or suntan preparations (excl. medicaments); manicure or pedicure preparations	0.4%
Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a...Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device (excl. ceramic pumps and secretion aspirating pumps for medical use and medical pumps carried on or implanted in the body); liquid elevators (excl. pumps); parts thereof	0.4%
Petroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbonsPetroleum gas and other gaseous hydrocarbons	0.4%
Organic surface-active agents (excl. soap);...Organic surface-active agents (excl. soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations, incl. auxiliary washing preparations, and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap (excl. those of heading 3401)	0.4%
Articles of plastics and articles of other...Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading 3901 to 3914, n.e.s.	0.3%
Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. seats...Furniture and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. seats and medical, surgical, dental or veterinary furniture)	0.3%
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled,...Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness of > 6 mm	0.3%
Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing...Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter	0.3%
Instruments and appliances used in medical,...Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, incl. scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight-testing instruments, n.e.s.	0.3%
Prepared foods obtained by the swelling or...Prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal products, e.g. corn flakes; cereals (other than maize "corn") in grain form or in the form of flakes or other worked grains (except flour, groats and meal), pre-cooked or otherwise prepared, n.e.s.	0.3%
Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)	0.3%
Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for...Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, incl. pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves; parts thereof	0.3%
Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or...Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps; parts thereof (excl. air conditioning machines of heading 8415)	0.3%
Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g...Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor, e.g. joints, elbows, flanges, of plastics	0.3%
Moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating,...Moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating, tamping, compacting, extracting or boring machinery, for earth, minerals or ores; pile-drivers and pile-extractors; snowploughs and snowblowers (excl. those mounted on railway wagons, motor vehicle chassis or lorries, self-propelled machinery of heading 8429, lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery of heading 8425 to 8428 and hand-operated tools)	0.3%
Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods,...Articles for the conveyance or packaging of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics	0.3%
Printing machinery used for printing by means of...Printing machinery used for printing by means of plates, cylinders and other printing components of heading 8442 (excl. hectograph or stencil duplicating machines, addressing machines and other office printing machines of heading 8469 to 8472); other printers, copying machines and facsimile machines, whether or not combined; parts thereof	0.3%
Preparations of a kind used in animal feedingPreparations of a kind used in animal feeding	0.3%
Polymers of ethylene, in primary formsPolymers of ethylene, in primary forms	0.3%
Medicaments consisting of two or more constituents...Medicaments consisting of two or more constituents mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not in measured doses or put up for retail sale (excl. goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)	0.3%
Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins and...Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins and napkin liners for babies, and similar articles, of any material	0.3%
Oilcake and other solid residues, whether or not...Oilcake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil	0.3%
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides...Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators, disinfectants and similar products, put up for retail sale or as preparations or articles, e.g. sulphur-treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly-papers	0.3%
Copper wire (excl. surgical sutures, stranded wire...Copper wire (excl. surgical sutures, stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like and other articles of heading 7413, electrically insulated wires and strings for musical instruments)	0.2%
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing,...Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, and certified reference materials (excl. compound diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient, blood-grouping reagents, animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses and vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms and similar products)	0.2%
Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not...Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled (excl. railway and tramway vehicles); parts thereof, n.e.s.	0.2%
Other vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise...Other vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen (excl. preserved by sugar, and tomatoes, mushrooms and truffles)	0.2%
Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores;...Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations for the chemical or allied industries, incl. mixtures of natural products, n.e.s.	0.2%
Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat...Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substances or otherwise prepared, such as spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared	0.2%
Sugar confectionery not containing cocoa, incl....Sugar confectionery not containing cocoa, incl. white chocolate	0.2%
Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats,...Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing < 40% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.s.; food preparations of milk, cream, butter milk, sour milk, sour cream, whey, yogurt, kephir, and similar goods of heading 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing < 5% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.s.	0.2%
Grain sorghumGrain sorghum	0.2%
Food preparations, n.e.s.Food preparations, n.e.s.	0.2%
Centrifuges, incl. centrifugal dryers (excl. those...Centrifuges, incl. centrifugal dryers (excl. those for isotope separation); filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof (excl. artificial kidneys)	0.2%
Monitors and projectors, not incorporating...Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus	0.2%
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of...Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather or composition leather (excl. footware and headgear and parts thereof, and goods of chapter 95, e.g. shin guards, fencing masks)	0.2%
Footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics,...Footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics, with uppers other than rubber, plastics, leather or textile materials; footwear with outer soles of leather or composition leather, with uppers other than leather or textile materials; footwear with outer soles of wood, cork, twine, paperboard, furskin, woven fabrics, felt, nonwovens, linoleum, raffia, straw, loofah, etc and uppers of any type of material, n.e.s.	0.2%
Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding...Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width <= 36 cm, or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, serviettes, bedsheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres	0.2%
Ginger, saffron, turmeric "curcuma", thyme, bay...Ginger, saffron, turmeric "curcuma", thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices (excl. pepper of the genus piper, fruit of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, vanilla, cinnamon, cinnamontree flowers, cloves [wholefruit], clove stems, nutmeg, mace, cardamoms, seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin and caraway, and juniper berries)	0.2%
Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing...Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing containers, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.s.; box files, letter trays, and similar articles, of paperboard of a kind used in offices, shops or the like	0.2%
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength...Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength of < 80%; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages (excl. compound alcoholic preparations of a kind used for the manufacture of beverages)	0.2%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width >= 600 mm, hot-rolled or cold-rolled "cold-reduced", clad, plated or coated	0.2%
Shaving preparations, incl. pre-shave and...Shaving preparations, incl. pre-shave and aftershave products, personal deodorants, bath and shower preparations, depilatories and other perfumery, toilet or cosmetic preparations, n.e.s.; prepared room deodorisers, whether or not perfumed or having disinfectant properties	0.2%
Powered aircraft "e.g. helicopters and aeroplanes...Powered aircraft "e.g. helicopters and aeroplanes"; spacecraft, incl. satellites, and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles	0.2%
Unglazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall...Unglazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles; unglazed ceramic mosaic cubes and the like, whether or not on a backing (excl. of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths, refractory ceramic goods, tiles specially adapted as table mats, ornamental articles and tiles specifically manufactured for stoves)	0.2%
Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and...Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, incl. those incorporating instruments or apparatus of chapter 90, and numerical control apparatus (excl. switching apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy)	0.2%
Wine of fresh grapes, incl. fortified wines; grape...Wine of fresh grapes, incl. fortified wines; grape must, partly fermented and of an actual alcoholic strength of > 0,5% vol or grape must with added alcohol of an actual alcoholic strength of > 0,5% vol	0.2%
Tube or pipe fittings "e.g. couplings, elbows,...Tube or pipe fittings "e.g. couplings, elbows, sleeves", of iron or steel	0.2%
Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters...Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space-heating apparatus and soil-heating apparatus; electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus, e.g. hairdryers, hair curlers and curling tong heaters, and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors (other than those of heading 8545); parts thereof	0.2%
Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel,...Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width >= 600 mm, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated	0.2%
Transmission shafts, incl. camshafts and...Transmission shafts, incl. camshafts and crankshafts, and cranks; bearing housings and plain shaft bearings for machines; gears and gearing; ball or roller screws, gear boxes and other speed changers, incl. torque converters; flywheels and pulleys, incl. pulley blocks, clutches and shaft couplings, incl. universal joints; parts thereof	0.2%
Air conditioning machines comprising a...Air conditioning machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, incl. those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated; parts thereof	0.2%
Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of...Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of goods, of all types of textile materials	0.2%
Mineral or chemical fertilisers containing two or...Mineral or chemical fertilisers containing two or three of the fertilising elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; other fertilisers (excl. pure animal or vegetable fertilisers or mineral or chemical nitrogenous, phosphatic or potassic fertilisers); animal, vegetable, mineral or chemical fertilisers in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight of <= 10 kg	0.2%
Compression-ignition internal combustion piston...Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine "diesel or semi-diesel engine"	0.2%
Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers'...Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products	0.2%
Fabricated asbestos fibres; mixtures with a basis...Fabricated asbestos fibres; mixtures with a basis of asbestos or with a basis of asbestos and magnesium carbonate; articles of such mixtures or of asbestos, e.g., thread, woven fabric, clothing, headgear, footwear, gaskets, whether or not reinforced (excl. friction material with a basis of asbestos, and articles of asbestos-cement)	0.2%
Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks,...Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers, incl. spring washers, and similar articles, of iron or steel (excl. lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)	0.2%
Seats, whether or not convertible into beds, and...Seats, whether or not convertible into beds, and parts thereof, n.e.s. (excl. medical, surgical, dental or veterinary of heading 9402)	0.2%
Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic...Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera and other blood fractions and immunological products, whether or not modified or obtained by means of biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excl. yeasts) and similar products	0.2%
Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers,...Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers, based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium; solutions of products of headings 3901 to 3913 in volatile organic solvents, containing > 50% solvent by weight (excl. solutions of collodion)	0.2%
Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark...Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared (excl. rough-cut wood for walking sticks, umbrellas, tool shafts and the like; wood in the form of railway sleepers; wood cut into boards or beams, etc.)	0.2%
Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s. (excl. cast...Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s. (excl. cast articles)	0.2%
T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or...T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted	0.1%
Cloth, incl. endless bands, grill, netting and...Cloth, incl. endless bands, grill, netting and fencing, of iron or steel wire, expanded metal of iron or steel (excl. woven products of metal fibres of a kind used for cladding, lining or similar purposes)	0.1%
Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor,...Electric accumulators, incl. separators therefor, whether or not square or rectangular; parts thereof (excl. spent and those of unhardened rubber or textiles)	0.1%
Electric motors and generators (excl. generating...Electric motors and generators (excl. generating sets)	0.1%
Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of...Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of non-cellular plastics, not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, without backing, unworked or merely surface-worked or merely cut into squares or rectangles (excl. self-adhesive products, and floor, wall and ceiling coverings of heading 3918)	0.1%
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with...Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537, n.e.s.	0.1%
Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy...Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, n.e.s.	0.1%
Buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, yogurt, kephir...Buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, yogurt, kephir and other fermented or acidified milk and cream, whether or not concentrated or flavoured or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, fruits, nuts or cocoa	0.1%
Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges...Structures and parts of structures "e.g., bridges and bridge-sections, towers, lattice masts, pillars and columns, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades", of aluminium (excl. prefabricated buildings of heading 9406); plates, rods, profiles, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of aluminium	0.1%
Articles of vulcanised rubber (excl. hard rubber),...Articles of vulcanised rubber (excl. hard rubber), n.e.s.	0.1%
Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar...Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs	0.1%
Mattress supports (excl. spring interiors for...Mattress supports (excl. spring interiors for seats); articles of bedding and similar furnishing, e.g. mattresses, quilts, eiderdowns, cushions, pouffes and pillows, fitted with springs or stuffed or internally filled with any material or of cellular rubber or plastics, whether or not covered (excl. pneumatic or water mattresses and pillows, blankets and covers)	0.1%
Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles...Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics (excl. baths, shower-baths, washbasins, bidets, lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and similar sanitary ware)	0.1%
Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics,...Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials (excl. toy footwear)	0.1%
Lamps and lighting fittings, incl. searchlights...Lamps and lighting fittings, incl. searchlights and spotlights, and parts thereof, n.e.s; illuminated signs, illuminated nameplates and the like having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof, n.e.s.	0.1%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles "e.g., open seam...Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles "e.g., open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed", of iron or steel (excl. of cast iron, seamless tubes and pipes and tubes having internal and external circular cross-sections and an external diameter of > 406,4 mm)	0.1%
Machines and mechanical appliances having...Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof	0.1%
Hand tools, incl. glaziers' diamonds, of base...Hand tools, incl. glaziers' diamonds, of base metal, n.e.s.; blowlamps and the like; vices, clamps and the like (other than accessories for and parts of, machine tools); anvils; portable forges; hand-operated or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks	0.1%
Apples, pears and quinces, freshApples, pears and quinces, fresh	0.1%
Casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers,...Casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, incl. rigid or collapsible tubular containers, of aluminium, for any material (other than compressed or liquefied gas), of a capacity of <= 300 l, not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, n.e.s.	0.1%
Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of...Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes	0.1%
Made-up clothing accessories and parts of garments...Made-up clothing accessories and parts of garments or clothing accessories, of all types of textile materials, n.e.s. (excl. knitted or crocheted)	0.1%
Chocolate and other food preparations containing...Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa	0.1%
Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers,...Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (excl. knitted or crocheted, wind-jackets and similar articles, separate waistcoats, tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear)	0.1%
Apparatus based on the use of x-rays or of alpha,...Apparatus based on the use of x-rays or of alpha, beta or gamma radiations, whether or not for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, incl. radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, x-ray tubes and other x-ray generators, high tension generators, control panels and desks, screens, examination or treatment tables, chairs and the like	0.1%
Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excl. waterproof footwear of heading 6401, orthopaedic footwear, skating boots with ice or roller skates attached, and toy footwear)	0.1%
Malt, whether or not roastedMalt, whether or not roasted	0.1%
Bananas, incl. plantains, fresh or driedBananas, incl. plantains, fresh or dried	0.1%
Prepared explosives (excl. propellent powders)Prepared explosives (excl. propellent powders)	0.1%
Vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by...Vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, frozen (excl. preserved by sugar, and tomatoes, mushrooms and truffles)	0.1%
Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of...Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron or steel (excl. products of cast iron)	0.1%
Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, of...Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, of iron or steel, for any material "other than compressed or liquefied gas", of a capacity of > 300 l, not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment, whether or not lined or heat-insulated (excl. containers specifically constructed or equipped for one or more types of transport)	0.1%
Ferro-alloysFerro-alloys	0.1%
Prefabricated buildings, whether or not complete...Prefabricated buildings, whether or not complete or already assembled	0.1%
Tea, whether or not flavouredTea, whether or not flavoured	0.1%
See More Products	50.5%

Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data

To go further, check out our service Import Export Flows.

Main Services

0.9 bn USD of services exported in 2019
TravelTravel +	61.86%
Personal travelPersonal travel	61.49%
Business travelBusiness travel	0.37%
Other business servicesOther business services	16.50%
TransportationTransportation	5.75%
Government servicesGovernment services	4.53%
Financial servicesFinancial services	4.20%
Construction servicesConstruction services	2.64%
Insurance servicesInsurance services	2.25%
Computer and information servicesComputer and information services	2.24%
Royalties and license feesRoyalties and license fees	0.04%

1.2 bn USD of services imported in 2019
Other business servicesOther business services	22.35%
TransportationTransportation	22.22%
TravelTravel +	19.71%
Personal travelPersonal travel	19.36%
Business travelBusiness travel	0.35%
Government servicesGovernment services	12.29%
Royalties and license feesRoyalties and license fees	9.02%
Computer and information servicesComputer and information services	6.64%
Financial servicesFinancial services	2.58%
Construction servicesConstruction services	2.06%
Insurance servicesInsurance services	1.72%
Cultural and recreational servicesCultural and recreational services	1.41%

Source: United Nations Statistics Division, Latest Available Data

Sources of General Economic Information

Ministries: Official list of ministries
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation
Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism
Statistical Office: Central Statistics Office
Central Bank: Central Bank
Stock Exchange: Botswana Stock Exchange
Search Engines: Google Botswana
Yellow Pages Botswana
Local Botswana - Botswana Business Directory
Economic Portals: Botswana Trade Portal

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders: President: Mokgweetsi Masisi (since 1 April 2018) ; the president is both chief of state and head of government.
Vice-President: Slumber Tsogwane (since 4 April 2018).
Next Election Dates: Parliamentary: October 2024
Presidential: October 2024
Main Political Parties: The main political parties in Botswana are:
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP): centre to centre-right, conservative (dominant part since the independence of Botswana, in 1966)
Botswana Congress Party (BCP): centre to centre-left, social democrat
Botswana National Front (BNF): centre-left, Christian left, social democratic (major opposition)
Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF):centre to centre-right, populist party
Botswana People's Party (BPP): left-wing, social democrat, pan-Africanist
Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD): centre, liberal
Alliance for Progressives (AP) : centre, liberal (newest party, founded in 2017)
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC): A political alliance of centre to left-wing parties between BCP, BNF, BPP, and BPF.
Type of State: Botswana is a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
Executive Power: Executive power is exercised by the government. The President of Botswana is both chief of state and head of government, as well as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president is elected indirectly by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second - and final - term). The vice-president is appointed by the president; however, the appointment is subject to endorsement by the National Assembly.
Legislative Power: Legislative power is vested both in the government and the National Assembly. The unicameral Parliament has 65 members, 57 of which are directly elected in single-seat constituencies by a first-past-the-post vote. Six members are nominated by the president and are elected indirectly by simple majority vote by the rest of the National Assembly, while the remaining two (the President and the Attorney General) are ex officio members of parliament. The National Assembly has an advisory body - Ntlo ya Dikgosi - formed of 35 members: 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 indirectly elected by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the president. The advisory body consults on issues regarding powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

Definition

Definition:

The world rankings, published annually, measures violations of press freedom worldwide. It reflects the degree of freedom enjoyed by journalists, the media and digital citizens of each country and the means used by states to respect and uphold this freedom. Finally, a note and a position are assigned to each country. To compile this index, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) prepared a questionnaire incorporating the main criteria (44 in total) to assess the situation of press freedom in a given country. This questionnaire was sent to partner organisations,150 RWB correspondents, journalists, researchers, jurists and human rights activists. It includes every kind of direct attacks against journalists and digital citizens (murders, imprisonment, assault, threats, etc.) or against the media (censorship, confiscation, searches and harassment etc.).

World Rank:: 38/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Definition

Definition:

The Indicator of Political Freedom provides an annual evaluation of the state of freedom in a country as experienced by individuals. The survey measures freedom according to two broad categories: political rights and civil liberties. The ratings process is based on a checklist of 10 political rights questions (on Electoral Process, Political Pluralism and Participation, Functioning of Government) and 15 civil liberties questions (on Freedom of Expression, Belief, Associational and Organizational Rights, Rule of Law, Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights). Scores are awarded to each of these questions on a scale of 0 to 4, where a score of 0 represents the smallest degree and 4 the greatest degree of rights or liberties present. The total score awarded to the political rights and civil liberties checklist determines the political rights and civil liberties rating. Each rating of 1 through 7, with 1 representing the highest and 7 the lowest level of freedom, corresponds to a range of total scores.

Ranking:: Free
Political Freedom:: 3/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House

COVID-19 Country Response

Travel restrictions: Regularly updated travel information for all countries with regards to Covid-19 related entry regulations, flight bans, test and vaccines requirements is available on TravelDoc Infopage.
To find information about the current travel regulations, including health requirements, it is also advised to consult Travel Regulations Map provided and updated on a daily basis by IATA.
Import & export restrictions: A general overview of trade restrictions which were adopted by different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic is available on the International Trade Centre's COVID-19 Temporary Trade Measures webpage.
Economic recovery plan: For the general overview of the key economic policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic (fiscal, monetary and macroeconomic) undertaken by the government of Botswana, please consult the country's dedicated section in the IMF’s Policy Tracker platform.
Support plan for businesses: For an evaluation of impact of the Covid pandemic on SMEs and an inventory of country responses to foster SME resilience, refer to the OECD's SME Covid-19 Policy Responses document.
You can also consult the World Bank's Map of SME-Support Measures in Response to COVID-19.

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