Botswana unemployment rate shoots up
Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe says based on the preliminary Botswana Multi-Topic Household Survey (BMTHS) 2024/25 results, the total unemployed persons are estimated at 213,437, compared with 147, 206 in 2015/16, representing an increase of 45 percent.
He indicated that discouraged job seekers are estimated at 88,671, compared with 133,276 in 2015/ 16, representing a decline of about 33.5 percent.
“The increase in the number of unemployed persons alongside the decline in discouraged job seekers does not represent a contradiction. Discouraged job seekers are those who have stopped looking for work, whereas unemployed persons are actively seeking employment. The decline in discouraged job seekers may indicate that more individuals have re-entered the labour market and resumed active job search,” said Gaolathe, who is also the Vice President.
He said Government, through Statistics Botswana, monitors labour market developments using two complementary survey instruments: The Quarterly Multi-Topic Surveys (QMTS), which provides interim, short-term labour market indicators between major household surveys; and The Botswana Multi-Topic Household Survey (BMTHS), conducted periodically. Gaolathe indicated that the 2024/25 BMTHS was designed with labour modules
comparable to the 2015/16 BMTHS, thereby enabling long-term trend analysis across benchmark surveys.
“The most recent Quarterly Multi-Topic Survey, conducted in the first quarter of 2024 (January to March), recorded a national unemployment rate of 27.1 percent. Looking at the broader quarterly series over time, Statistics Botswana data show an upward movement in unemployment. Specifically, the rate increased by 4 percentage points, rising from 21.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019 to 25.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023,” stated the minister.
This confirms that, on a quarterly basis, unemployment has been trending upward in recent years, he said.
He added: “on the benchmark surveys (long-term trend), Statistics Botswana conducted the BMTHS 2024/25 over the period, November 2024 to November 2025. Preliminary results, pending final validation, estimate the national unemployment rate among persons aged 15 years and above at 21.0 percent. When compared to the 2015/16 BMTHS, which recorded an unemployment rate of 17.6 percent, this represents an increase of 3.4 percentage points over the period. This confirms that, from a long-term benchmark perspective, unemployment has also increased between 2015/16 and 2024/25. To be clear, both the quarterly series and the benchmark
household surveys indicate an upward trend in unemployment.”
Gaolathe revealed that creating between 450,000 and 500,000 jobs over the next four years requires a deliberate and enabling economic environment. He said first, it requires higher levels of investment, both public and private, with a clear emphasis on crowding in private capital. This, according to the minister is precisely why Government is intentionally pivoting towards a private sector-led growth model, recognising that sustainable job creation must be driven primarily by a vibrant and expanding private sector.
“Second, it requires faster and more diversified economic growth, including the expansion of productive sectors beyond traditional drivers of the economy. This must be supported by stronger private sector participation, targeted support to SMEs and labour-absorbing value ·chains, improved productivity and competitiveness, expanded export development and market access, as well as skills development and better labour-market alignment, particularly for youth and women to ensure that the supply of skills matches emerging opportunities.”
Gaolathe was responding to a question from MP for Bobirwa, Taolo Lucas who asked the Minister of Finance to state among others: the current unemployment rates in Botswana as per Statistics Botswana Surveys, indicating whether unemployment is increasing or decreasing; the total number of unemployed persons in Botswana, including those considered as discouraged job seekers; and the economic conditions that are required to create 450 000 to 500 000 jobs in the next four (4) years and further, if such economic conditions are achievable in Botswana in the next four (4) years.
The minister pointed out that Government is actively pursuing these conditions through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and the National Development Plan (NDP 12), both of which are designed to accelerate diversification and deepen private sector participation. The BETP has identified 186 projects across six economic priorities and three social sectors, and is expected to unlock approximately P 514 billion in cumulative investment, ultimately generating 512,000 jobs.
“In addition, the BETP has identified necessary legislative amendments and regulatory reforms required to make the business environment more conducive to investment. Relevant Ministries are actively working to implement these reforms to improve ease of doing business and attract greater private sector participation,” said Gaolathe.
He added, “the scale and design of the BETP are aligned with the employment ambition referenced in the question. Government therefore considers these targets achievable, provided that implementation remains disciplined, reforms are executed effectively, and planned investments are realised. In this regard, Government is being intentional in maintaining a strong execution focus through the BETP Secretariat to ensure delivery and accountability.”
The minister acknowledged that full employment requires sustained and inclusive growth that translates into job-rich expansion, not only higher output. He stated that the approach under BETP and NDP 12 is intended to accelerate the transition to a private sector-led, diversified economy, widen the export base, and drive inclusive growth that translates into employment.
“As Statistics Botswana data indicate, while employment levels have grown over time, labour force growth has continued to outpace job creation, placing upward pressure on unemployment levels. Government is therefore focused on reforms and programmes that raise the economy's capacity to generate employment at the pace required.”