The Government of Botswana will introduce a monthly allowance for newborn babies starting sometime in 2025.
This announcement was made on Monday, February 10, by the country’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba N. Gaolathe.
Presenting Botswana’s 2025/2026 budget speech at Parliament Buildings, Gaolathe proposed a monthly allowance of 300 Pula for newborn babies until they reach one year old.
“We are also proposing a targeted monthly allowance of P300.00 for newborn babies until they turn one year old,” he stated.
At the time of writing, it remains unclear when newborn babies will start receiving their monthly allowances.
During his budget speech, Gaolathe also shared good news for female students, revealing that the government will provide free sanitary wear to them.
“Additionally, we will be proposing the 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 sections of society,” Gaolathe said.
Botswana’s national budget also brought smiles to the faces of the elderly. Gaolathe announced an increase in the Old Age Pension, popularly known as the Tandabala Allowance, from 830 Pula to 1,300 Pula starting in April 2025.
He emphasized that while resources currently limit further increases, the Government of Botswana remains committed to the well-being of every citizen.
