Budget charts clear path to

The 2026/27 National Budget marks a definitive road to economic recovery and growth, built on the foundations of the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP) and National Development Plan (NDP) 12, says MP for Mmadinare, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa. Debating the budget speech on Tuesday, Mr Motshegwa,who also serves as Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, stated that the budget spearheaded a transition toward a private-led economy. He emphasised, however, that State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) continued to play a vital role.

“This budget marks a deliberate transition from diagnosis to delivery, as we advance reforms to restore stability, strengthen institutions, and lay the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said. Addressing the national debt, Mr Motshegwa argued that the debt-to-GDP ratio cannot remain stagnant and must adapt to prevailing economic, political and social conditions, including the impacts of climate change. He noted that almost all Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development nations had occasionally exceeded a 60 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio while maintaining positive growth.

He defended government’s move to increase Botswana’s debt ceiling to 60 per cent, citing the need to address poverty and unemployment, low economic diversification, dilapidated physical and social infrastructure as well as digital technology and rural empowerment. However, he cautioned that deficit funding should be reserved for investment purposes rather than consumption. Kanye East MP, Mr Prince Mosanana, echoed the sentiment that the budget speech was an honest reflection of the country’s economic recovery.

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Mr Mosanana welcomed the decentralisation of primary healthcare to local authorities but stressed that clinics must be equipped with adequate personnel and medication. Regarding his constituency, Mr Mosanana expressed concern for local farmers.

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