News in Botswana

1 April 2020 - The Botswana President Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi declared a State of Public Emergency, restricting non-essential services and unnecessary movement, after reporting four cases of Covid-19, including one death. All sectors, private and government, are taking required actions within their mandates to support the national response. The Health Sector, under the coordination of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has been controlling the implementation of these necessary measures.

All air, rail and road travel to and from Botswana is closed until further notice, except for a closely monitored flow of essential services and commodities between Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia. For movement within the country, extreme social distancing must be followed for an initial period of 28 days, limiting movement to only accessing essential services. Please fill our survey regarding life during a pandemic in Botswana

26 March 2020 - Power tariffs in Botswana have increased by 22 percent to help cover operational costs and reduce losses. The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) said, "The increase is to ensure tariffs are cost-reflective, affordable, and appropriately priced. The rate remains one of the lowest in the countries in the region without hydropower". This increase, beginning from April 1, would pertain to all categories of users.

Although this increase will put pressure on households and businesses already under the strain of the Covid-19 (novel Coronavirus) outbreak, this was necessary to enable Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) to cover its operational expenses. For several years, the BPC has relied on government subsidies to cover its operating losses due to high import costs, non-performing assets, and operational inefficiencies. This tariff rise will enable it to be less dependent on the government. "In the next two years, the country will have at least 130 MW of renewable energy," BERA Chief Executive Rose Seretse said. Fill out our survey on life and work during the Covid-19 pandemic