Business Botswana has voiced strong concern over recent government economic policies and regulatory changes that it says were implemented without sufficient consultation with the private sector.
In a statement released on July 17, the private sector advocacy group warned that the cumulative effect of these reforms could significantly harm Botswana’s business environment and stifle economic recovery.
Among the recent government actions flagged by Business Botswana are changes to exchange rate policy, the suspension of Government Purchase Order (GPO) generation through the Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS), amendments to employment laws, new electricity tariffs from the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA), import restrictions on cement, and rising rejections of work and visa permits, particularly affecting the tourism and education sectors.
“While these interventions may be driven by good intentions, their cumulative effect, if not well-considered, risks increasing the cost of doing business in Botswana,” the organisation cautioned. It emphasised that the current economic climate calls for policy moves that encourage private sector growth, attract investment, and stimulate job creation—not ones that may deter investor confidence.
Business Botswana noted that it has already submitted a set of economic recovery proposals, including suggested policy and legislative reforms, to government stakeholders. The organisation is also spearheading the identification and facilitation of high-impact projects across key sectors, aligning business development efforts with the country's economic priorities.
To bridge the widening communication gap between the private sector and government, Business Botswana is pushing for the revival of Sub High-Level Consultative Councils (SHLCCs) as a platform for structured dialogue. It also reaffirmed the importance of conducting Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) before implementing reforms to avoid unintended economic fallout.
“To our members and the wider business community, we assure you that Business Botswana continues to advocate on your behalf,” the statement read. “We are committed to pushing for inclusive, evidence-based solutions that restore confidence and lay the foundation for a resilient and sustainable economic recovery.”