03 Feb 2026

Starting April 1, government will roll out a monthly support grant of P300 for all Batswana children under the age of one, regardless of household income.
This is in line with realising the Vision 2036 goal as Botswana prepares for dual-pronged social and economic transformation. Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development and Traditional Affairs unveiled two major initiatives that promise to reshape the lives of both the youngest Batswana and the nation’s workforce: the P300 Infant Support Grant and the evolution of Ipelegeng into the Ikageng Public Works programme.
Addressing a special council meeting in Letlhakeng recently, deputy council secretary, Dr Delic Sehunwe highlighted that the programme was about more than just financial aid, but a strategic investment in early childhood development.
By easing the financial burden on families, government aims to ensure infants have better access to essential nutrition, healthcare and early learning services during their most formative months.
To prepare for the rollout, the ministry has called upon district councils to begin an aggressive mobilisation and registration drive.
Parents and caregivers are urged to ready their documentation, specifically the child’s birth certificate (or health card) and the caregiver’s identity card (Omang).
In the event that the caregiver is not the biological parent(s), valid proof of caregiver should be provided for instance court order, affidavit or other legally permissible documents.
On one hand, while the infant grant looks to the future, the transformation of the Ipelegeng programme into Ikageng Public Works addresses the present-day dignity of the country’s workforce.
For years, Ipelegeng has been a staple of social protection, but the shift to Ikageng marks a new chapter in national self-reliance. The programme is now officially aligned with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The most significant change is the move toward a performance-based remuneration system. By shifting away from the old time-based model, government is motioning a new era where productivity and quality of work are rewarded.
“This bold transformation will uplift communities and expand economic opportunities, honouring the spirit of Ipelegeng while reimagining it for the future,” Dr Sehunwe said.
To back the commitment, government has announced a substantial wage revision. Ikageng beneficiaries will now earn a monthly wage of P2 500.
The increase is designed not only to boost household incomes but to restore a sense of pride and professional value to public works.
The twin initiatives represent a holistic approach to social welfare. By supporting the health of infants and the productivity of adults, government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and high-income nation.
To that effect, the ministry plans to maintain close dialogue with traditional leaders, local authorities as well as the private sector with a view to move the country beyond simple safety nets and toward a system that empowers every citizen, from the cradle to the workplace. ENDS