Botswana: cost of living

What is the poverty rate in Botswana?

16.3% of Botswana's population lived below the national poverty line in 2015/16, according to Statistics Botswana. It is the latest official poverty rate shown on the agency's home page.

The figure comes from the Botswana Multi-Topic Household Survey 2015/16. The 2024/25 round of the same survey has so far published only labour force results, so a newer poverty estimate has not yet been released.

Official sources: Statistics Botswana: key indicators

How have fuel and electricity prices affected the cost of living in Botswana?

A cut in domestic fuel prices on 7 July 2026 lowered headline inflation by 2.3 percentage points, according to the Bank of Botswana. Inflation fell from 10.7% in June to 9.4% in July as a result.

The bank expects inflation to stay above its 3% to 6% objective until early 2027 because of fuel price pressures, higher electricity tariffs and knock-on cost increases. In September 2026, transport was still the largest contributor to inflation, at 4.0 of the 7.8 percentage points, according to Statistics Botswana. The bank also lists foot-and-mouth disease restrictions on livestock and a possible El Niño as risks to food prices.

Official sources: Bank of Botswana: MPC press release, 27 August 2026 (PDF) · Statistics Botswana: Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (PDF)

What is Botswana's inflation rate?

According to the IMF, consumer price inflation in Botswana was 2.7% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.9% (2020) to 12.7% (2008). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 3.4%; Botswana is 25th highest of 39. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 88th highest.

How much do households in Botswana spend per person?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $3,122. The peak was $3,245 in 2024 and the low $1,618 in 2005. It is 7th highest of 37 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $840. Worldwide: 74th of 124.

How many people in Botswana live on under $3 a day?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Botswana was 21.4% in 2015. In 2002 the figure was 34.8%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 35.8%; Botswana is 9th highest of 11. World rank, highest first: 10th of 86.

What is the poverty rate in Botswana?

According to the World Bank, the share of people below the national poverty line in Botswana was 16.1% in 2015. That compares with 30.6% in 2002. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35.7%, and Botswana placed 8th highest of 8. Of 54 countries with 2015 data, 36th highest.

What is income inequality in Botswana?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2015, is 54.9. That compares with 61.5 in 2002. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 42.4, and Botswana placed 3rd highest of 11. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 86.

What is food insecurity in Botswana?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 52.0%. The peak was 56.3% in 2021 and the low 46.4% in 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 60.5%; Botswana is 22nd highest of 34. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 26th highest.