By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Government of Botswana has announced a series of new social welfare measures aimed at supporting its citizens, with the roll out set to begin in 2025.
Speaking at the presentation of the 2025/2026 budget speech at Parliament Buildings, Vice President and Finance Minister, Mr. Ndaba N. Gaolathe, revealed that a monthly allowance of P300.00 will be given to newborn babies until they are one year old.
“We are also proposing a targeted monthly allowance of P300.00 for newborn babies until they turn one year old,” he said.
In addition to the newborn allowance, Gaolathe announced that the government will provide free sanitary pads for 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,” he said.
The government has also increased the Old Age Pension, commonly known as the Tandabala Allowance. The pension has been increased from P830.00 to P1,300.00 starting in April 2025.
While Gaolathe acknowledged that resource constraints limited the increase of these allowances, he emphasized the government’s commitment 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,” Gaolathe explained.
The new introduction of newborn allowances marks Botswana as one of the few, if not the only, countries in Africa to implement such a progressive initiative.
By investing in the future of its youngest citizens, Botswana aims to improve health outcomes, reduce poverty, and promote equity, illustrating a strong belief in the potential of every child to contribute to the nation’s development.