Botswana government has introduced new social welfare measures aimed at improving inhabitants’ well-being, with implementation slated to begin in 2025.
Key initiatives include a monthly allowance for newborn babies, free sanitary pads for female students, and a boost in the Old Age Pension, popularly known as the Tandabala Allowance.
Mr. Ndaba N. Gaolathe, Botswana’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, revealed during the 2025/2026 budget presentation on February 10 that newborn babies would get a monthly allowance of P300 until the age of one. “We are also proposing a targeted monthly allowance of P300.00 for newborn babies until they turn one year old,” he stated.
Details on when the allowance will commence have yet to be determined.
In an effort to promote dignity and educational equality, Mr Gaolathe announced intentions to distribute free sanitary pads to female pupils.
“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,” he said.
The Tandabala Allowance, which supports elderly citizens, will increase from P830 to P1,400 starting April 2025. “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. While fiscal constraints limit substantial increases in social welfare programmes, we remain resolutely committed to inclusiveness and the well-being of our citizens. With this in mind, we propose an increase of the Old Age Pension (Tandabala Allowance) from P830.00 to P1,400.00 effective 1st April 2025,” Mr Gaolathe explained.
These actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to inclusion and ensuring that resources are allocated to the most deserving elements of society, even in the face of fiscal restrictions.
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