12 Nov 2026

Leader of Opposition, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, has proposed a six-point Economic Rescue Plan aimed at reducing the cost of living, protecting jobs, restoring workers’ purchasing power and supporting struggling businesses. 

Presenting his response to the State-of-the-Nation Address on Wednesday, Mr Saleshando said Botswana needed an immediate economic rescue programme alongside long-term transformation initiatives. 

He proposed targeted value added tax (VAT) relief on a wider range of essential goods, including bathing and laundry soap, detergents, toothpaste and toilet paper, saying government should ensure that the savings benefit consumers rather than being absorbed into business profit margins. 

He also called for a moratorium on new or increased public service levies and charges affecting low and middle-income households, citing the introduction of fees for customary court services as an example of charges that could place justice beyond the reach of poor people. 

Mr Saleshando further urged government to contain its expenditure through a cost-saving and reprioritisation plan, supported by quarterly public reports detailing savings made and how the funds were being utilised. He suggested reconsidering plans to open new diplomatic missions and called on the President to lead by example through smaller delegations when travelling on official business. 

On fuel, he called for an urgent review of procurement and distribution arrangements, as well as a transparent and affordable relief mechanism for public transport operators and productive sectors when international fuel prices rise. He further proposed that government engage organised labour on a cost-of-living adjustment, review the minimum wage and provide targeted relief to low- and middle-income earners. 

Mr Saleshando said government should also publish a schedule for settling verified outstanding payments owed to local businesses, warning that delayed payments by the State affected contractors’ ability to pay workers, suppliers and banks. 

He proposed that the Bank of Botswana’s one-off revenue windfall be ring-fenced to settle these arrears and fund capital projects rather than being absorbed into recurrent expenditure. 

The opposition leader also called for measures to improve access to credit for businesses, including support with bookkeeping and compliance, faster land title registration to enable citizens to use land as collateral, and expanded credit guarantees through institutions such as CEDA and BDC. 

He urged government to support the informal economy by providing secure and serviced trading spaces, consulting traders before relocating them, simplifying business registration and ensuring that small enterprises benefit from public procurement. 

Turning to economic diversification, Mr Saleshando called for a quarterly performance scorecard for the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), showing project budgets, expenditure, progress and the number of jobs created. On the proposed increase in Botswana’s shareholding in De Beers from 15 to 30 per cent, Mr Saleshando said the decision required careful scrutiny, particularly in view of the diamond market outlook and the country’s rising public debt. He questioned the purchase price, financing arrangements and potential financial risks should the diamond company experience further difficulties.

Mr Saleshando also called for consideration of Government stakes in copper mines, including Khoemacau, and said the business case for acquiring additional De Beers shares should be independently assessed by local professionals. 

On agriculture, he described the foot-and-mouth disease crisis as both a household income and food security concern, calling for a coordinated recovery plan with clear timelines, adequate veterinary capacity, a pathway towards restoring access to the European market and the development of alternative export markets. 

He supported the proposed National Health Insurance scheme, provided it was properly funded and managed, while calling for monthly public reports on the availability of essential medicines at health facilities. 

He also called for a review of the 12-month limit for the P300 Child Support Grant, saying its duration should be assessed by professionals in relation to the nutritional needs of young children. On land administration, he proposed completing the national land audit, digitising land records, ensuring transparent allocation processes and clearing waiting lists. 

He also called for special consideration for people living with disabilities under the Bonno Housing Scheme. Mr Saleshando further urged Government to elevate the fight against gender-based violence into a measurable national undertaking. ENDS