Recurrent budget UP, development budget DOWN

It is a P1.83 Billion increase compared to 1.6% drop The unveiling of Botswana’s 2025/2026 national budget by Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe has stirred a mix of intrigue and concern, revealing a shifting fiscal landscape with significant implications for the country’s economic and social priorities.

At its core, the budget presents a curious imbalance: an increase in recurrent expenditure alongside a contraction in the development budget. This divergence raises pressing questions about the government’s strategic focus amid growing demands on public services and infrastructural development.