The Government of Botswana will introduce a monthly allowance to newborn babies starting sometime in 2025
This was announced on Monday 10 February by the country’s Vice President Mr Ndaba N. Gaolathe., who is also the Minister of Finance.
Presenting Botswana’s 2025/2026 budget speech at Parliament Buildings, Gaolathe proposed a monthly allowance of 300 Pula for newborn babies until they are 1 year old.
“We are also proposing a targeted monthly allowance of P300.00 for newborn babies until they turn one year old,” he said.
It is unclear at the time of writing when new born babies are expected to start receiving their monthly allowances.
During his 2025/2026 budget speech, Gaolathe delivered good news to female students. Botswana’s Finance Minister revealed that they will be giving out free sanitary wear to female students.
“Additionally, we will be proposing provision of free sanitary pads to female students, ensuring that dignity and essential needs are upheld across different segments of our population. As our economy regains its strength and our fiscal position improves, we are committed to revisiting social allowances, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most impactful and to the most deserving section of the society,” Gaolathe said.
Botswana’s national budget also brought smiles on the faces of old people. Ndaba N. Gaolathe increased the Old Age Pension, popularly known as Tandabala Allowance from 830 Pula to 1,300 Pula starting in April 2025.
He emphasised that while resources don’t permit the increase of these allowances, the Government of Botswana is committed to the well-being of every citizen.
“Mr. Speaker, the true measure of a society lies in how it cares for its most vulnerable members, reflecting its collective humanity and sense of justice. While fiscal constraints limit substantial increases in social welfare programmes, we remain resolutely committed to inclusiveness and the well-being of our citizens. With this in mind, we propose an increase of the Old Age Pension (Tandabala Allowance) from P830.00 to P1400.00 effective 1st April 2025,” Gaolathe explained.
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