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Insights
Tax, accounting, audit and economic news from Botswana, explained for business owners, boards and finance teams.
IFRS 18 applies from 1 January 2027: what changes in your income statement
The new presentation standard replaces IAS 1, adds operating, investing and financing categories and brings management performance measures into the audited statements.
Read articleBank of Botswana holds at 5.5% for a third meeting
With inflation at 7.8% and still above target, the MPC kept the April hike in place and left the next move open.
Read articleIMF expects 4.4% growth in 2026 but warns of price pressures
The October World Economic Outlook trims Botswana’s 2026 growth forecast from 4.7% to 4.4% and lifts inflation to 7.2%.
Read articleInflation slows to 7.8% in September, third monthly fall
Statistics Botswana reports inflation easing from a June peak of 10.7%. Transport still contributes 4.0 percentage points.
Read articleBotswana nears a decision on its stake in De Beers
Anglo American has named a preferred bidder for its 85% of De Beers. Botswana, which owns 15%, is weighing how much more to buy.
Read articleVAT on remote and digital services now being charged
From 1 October 2026 non-resident suppliers of streaming, cloud, software and advertising services must charge Botswana VAT. BURS expects P450 million a year.
Read articleBURS issues reverse-charge VAT guidance for businesses and public entities
New guidance explains how VAT-registered businesses, government entities and large unregistered persons must account for VAT on imported services.
Read articleMandatory electronic invoicing starts April 2027
Every VAT-registered business must issue tax invoices through a BURS-approved electronic billing system from about 1 April 2027. There is no turnover threshold.
Read articleBSE market capitalisation up 57% to P974.8 billion
Foreign listings drove the Botswana Stock Exchange higher in the first seven months of 2026; the domestic index gained a modest 1.4%.
Read articleGrey-list risk returns as Botswana prepares for its FATF mutual evaluation
Botswana left the FATF grey list in October 2021. The ESAAMLG third-round evaluation, due in January 2027, will test whether the reforms held.
Read articleVAT on private medical services suspended two days before it was due to start
BURS suspended the 14% VAT on private medical services on 30 July 2026 to allow consultation. Prescription medicines remain zero-rated.
Read articleTransfer Pricing Regulations 2026: documentation now required before you file
Related-party transactions above P5 million need contemporaneous transfer pricing documentation by the return filing date, not after a BURS enquiry.
Read articleBotswana’s new Income Tax, VAT and Tax Administration Acts take effect
Three re-enacted tax statutes came into force on 1 July 2026. Corporate tax rises to 24.5%, a 27.5% top personal rate applies above P400,000 and a Tax Tribunal replaces the old objection route.
Read articleBank of Botswana raises the policy rate by 200 basis points to 5.5%
The sharpest hike in years came as the Bank forecast inflation averaging 8.7% in 2026, driven by fuel prices linked to the Iran war.
Read articleBudget 2026/27 pivots from diamonds to enterprise
Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s 9 February budget projects a 3.1% rebound after two years of contraction and funds it with higher corporate and personal tax.
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