Government of Botswana
82 officials listed, each linked to its source.
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, has its capital at Gaborone and a population of 2,562,122 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a parliamentary republic. President Duma Gideon Boko (in office since 1 Nov 2024) is head of state; Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe is the deputy. The legislature is the Parliament, a unicameral body with 69 seats. The most recent national election, per IFES ElectionGuide, was held on 30 Oct 2024. The source lists the next national election as expected in October 2029. Elections are run by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The directory below lists 1 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.

Parliament
Unicameral. Source: CIA World Factbook
| Chamber | Seats | Last election |
|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | 69 (61 directly elected; 6 indirectly elected) | 30 Oct 2024 |
Botswana National Assembly: list of MPs
Political mix
Seats by party in each chamber of Botswana. One dot is one seat.
National Assembly
As elected, 2026
69
National Assembly seats
- UDC41(59.4%)
- BCP15(21.7%)
- BPF5(7.2%)
- BDP4(5.8%)
- Ind3(4.3%)
- Spkr.1(1.4%)
Each dot is one seat. Members are placed within their party’s section, not in their real seats.
Members on the chart (69, by party)
UDC (41)
- Duma Boko
- Moeti Mohwasa
- Nono Kgafela-Mokoka
- Pius Mokgware
- Stephen Modise
- Keoagile Atamelang, Boteti East
- Sam Digwa, Boteti West
- Motsamai Motsamai, Charles Hill
- Tiroeaone Ntsima, Francistown East
- Wynter Mmolotsi, Francistown South
- Mokwaledi Ignatius Moswaane, Francistown West
- Maipelo Mophuting, Gaborone Bonnington North
- Ndaba Gaolathe, Gaborone Bonnington South
- Phenyo Butale, Gaborone Central
- Shawn Nthaile, Gaborone North
- Nelson Ramaotwana, Gaborone South
- Noah Salakae, Ghanzi
- Omphemetse Kwapa, Jwaneng-Mabutsane
- Mogorosi Mosanana, Kanye East
- Victor Phologolo, Kanye West
- Reason Lekhutlane, Kgalagadi North
- Tokyo Modise, Kgalagadi South
- Mpho Morolong, Kgatleng Central
- Tshenolo Bogatsu, Lentsweletau-Lephephe
- Domcaza Mokgwathi, Letlhakeng
- Kamal Jacobs, Lobatse
- Augustine Nyatanga, Mahalapye East
- David Tshere, Mahalapye West
- Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, Mmadinare
- Helen Manyeneng, Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe
- Letlhogonolo Barongwang, Mogoditshane East
- Galenawabo Lekau, Mogoditshane West
- Arafat Khan, Molepolole North
- Shima Monageng, Molepolole South
- Onneetse Ramogapi, Palapye
- Moneedi Bagaisamang, Shoshong
- Jacob Kelebeng, Takatokwane
- Justin Hunyepa, Tati West
- Phenyo Segokgo, Tlokweng
- Gaefele Sedombo, Tonota
- Prince Maele, Tswapong North
BCP (15)
- Taolo Lucas, Bobirwa
- Simasiku Mapulanga, Chobe
- Boniface Mabeo, Gamalete
- Unity Dow, Kgatleng West
- Goretetse Kekgonegile, Maun East
- Dumelang Saleshando, Maun North
- Caterpillar Hikuama, Maun West
- Phillimon Aaron, Ngami
- Motlhaleemang Moalosi, Nkange
- Gabatsholwe Disho, Okavango East
- Kenny Kapinga, Okavango West
- Kgoberego Nkawana, Selebi Phikwe East
- Reuben Kaizer, Selebi Phikwe West
- Thabologo Furniture, Tati East
- Kesitegile Gobotswang, Tswapong South
BPF (5)
- Lawrence Ookeditse, Nata-Gweta
- Baratiwa Mathoothe, Serowe North
- Leepetswe Lesedi, Serowe South
- Onalepelo Kedikilwe, Serowe West
- Jeremiah Frenzel, Shashe West
BDP (4)
- Thomas Mmusi, Gabane-Mmankgodi
- Mabuse Pule, Kgatleng East
- Karabo Gare, Moshupa-Manyana
- Palelo Motaosane, Thamaga-Kumakwane
Ind (3)
- Bogolo Kenewendo
- Lesego Chombo
- Edwin Dikoloti, Goodhope-Mmathethe
Spkr. (1)
- Dithapelo Keorapetse
Seats by party (table)
| Party | Seats | Share of listed seats |
|---|---|---|
| UDC | 41 | 59.4% |
| BCP | 15 | 21.7% |
| BPF | 5 | 7.2% |
| BDP | 4 | 5.8% |
| Ind | 3 | 4.3% |
| Spkr. | 1 | 1.4% |
As elected: the seats each party won at the 2026 election. It does not follow members who changed party afterwards. 69 seats in the chamber. As of 21 October 2026. Source: 13th Parliament of Botswana roster, cross-checked against the official Hansard.
Counted from the 69 members listed: 61 elected by constituency, six specially elected by the House, and the President and the Speaker ex officio. Elected party split: UDC 36, BCP 15, BPF 5, BDP 4, Independent 1.
This page lists all 69 seats of Botswana's 13th National Assembly. Sixty-one members were elected constituency by constituency at the general election of 30 October 2024, six were specially elected by the House, and two sit ex officio: the President, Duma Boko, and the Speaker, Dithapelo Keorapetse. The party figures below count all 69 members shown here. Where the names and seats come from. The roster of members, constituencies, party labels and each member's vote count and share was read on 21 October 2026 and every one of the 61 constituency seats was then checked against the official Hansard of the National Assembly, 19 sittings published by the Parliament, in which the member speaks or is recorded present. Where the two records differed we followed the official record, and every correction is listed below. No portraits. The Parliament's own member directory returns blank name and photograph fields, and the Hansard carries no photographs, so there is no portrait for any member that we could publish with a clear licence. No member page therefore shows a photograph, and every member page is kept out of search engines and sitemaps until one becomes available. The country page and this Parliament page stay indexed. What these sources do not publish. The Independent Electoral Commission's website was unreachable when we captured this record: its server answered with a 503 and the bare domain did not resolve. The results here are therefore not taken from the Commission. They come from the published parliament record and are corroborated by the Hansard. Neither source publishes a district or region for each constituency, so no district is shown. The Hansard of the first sitting of this Parliament, on 7 November 2024, is not among the 19 sittings the Parliament had published when we captured the record, and it is not part of the check. Corrections and spellings. The published roster printed Tlokweng as “Tlowkeng”; we use the official Hansard spelling. Three seats were printed surname first and are shown given name first on the Hansard's authority: Serowe South (Leepetswe Lesedi), Boteti East (Keoagile Atamelang) and Mogoditshane East (Letlhogonolo Barongwang). For Gaborone North and Kgalagadi North the roster and the Hansard differ in spelling; the Hansard prints initials and surname only, so we keep the fuller roster spelling and both forms are recorded. Party labels. The six specially elected members are shown with the party that nominated them. Earlier figures of “8 appointed” members are replaced by these six plus the two ex officio office-holders, and the Independents shown are labelled as the source labels them.
Cabinet
| Portfolio | Holder | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Minister of Health | Stephen Modise | - |
Sources: Daily News (Government of Botswana), article dated 27 October 2025 (retrieved 23 Oct 2026).
Other cabinet members
| Portfolio | Holder | Appointed |
|---|---|---|
| President of the Republic of Botswana | Duma Gideon Boko | 1 Nov 2024 |
| Vice President and Minister of Finance | Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe | 7 Nov 2024 |
| Minister for State President, Defence and Security | Moeti C. Mohwasa | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Minerals and Energy | Bogolo Kenewendo | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of International Relations | Phenyo Butale | 11 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs | Ketlhalefile Motshegwa | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education | Kebuang Nono Kgafela-Mokoka | 11 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Communications and Innovation | David Tshere | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Environment and Tourism | Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Higher Education | Mooketsi Prince Maele | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Justice and Correctional Services | Rramaotwana Nelson Ramaotwana | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Labour and Home Affairs | Pius Mokgware | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Lands and Agriculture | Edwin Gorataone Dikoloti | 26 Jul 2025 |
| Minister of Sports and Arts | Jacob Kelebeng | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship | Tiroeaone Ntsima | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Transport and Infrastructure | Noah Salakae | - |
| Minister of Water and Human Settlement | Onneetse Ramogapi | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs | Lesego Chombo | 11 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security | Maipelo Mophuting | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education | Justin Chipo Hunyepa | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation | Shawn Ntlhaile | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services | Augustine Nyatanga | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture | Motsamai Motsamai | 15 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs | Ignatius Mokwaledi Moswaane | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship | Baratiwa Mathoothe | 14 Nov 2024 |
| Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure | Keoagile Atamelang | 21 Aug 2026 |
Sources: Government of Botswana (gov.bw) (retrieved 11 Oct 2026).
List as of 11 Oct 2026.
Parliament, courts and independent offices
| Office | Holder | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker of the National Assembly | Dithapelo Keorapetse | - |
| Chief Justice | Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe | 18 Jan 2025 |
| Central Bank Governor | L. C Moseki | - |
Sources: Parliament of Botswana, The Speaker (retrieved 23 Oct 2026); Daily News (Government of Botswana) (retrieved 23 Oct 2026); Bank of Botswana, Board of Directors (retrieved 23 Oct 2026).
Botswana election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028
Next national election: Due by 2029, parliamentary election.
| Date | Election | Status | Turnout | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due by 2029 | Parliamentary election | Due | - | - |
| Due by 2029 | Presidential election | Due | - | - |
Sources: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).
Recent results
| Date | Election | Status | Turnout | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Oct 2024 | Parliamentary election | Held | - | Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) |
Sources: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).
Economy at a glance
Full economy page- GDP
- US$20bn
- 2025
- GDP growth
- -0.7%
- 2025
- Remittances received
- US$165m
- 2025
- Foreign direct investment
- US$-649m
- 2025
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Commission a study in BotswanaMore data for Botswana
- Election calendar and results
- Economy of Botswana
- Development jobs in Botswana
- Constitution of Botswana
- Statistics office and surveys in Botswana
- Exams and universities in Botswana
- Research permits and data protection in Botswana
- Paid polls in Botswana: join the waiting list
- Inflation and unemployment in Botswana
- Debt of Botswana: debt to GDP and largest creditors
- Natural resources in Botswana
- Botswana and the rest of Southern Africa
Population of Botswana
Botswana had 2.5 million people in 2025, 42nd largest of 53 in Africa. The IMF projects 2.7 million by 2030. African countries by population.
Population (2025)
2.5
42nd largest of 53 in Africa
Population growth since 2015 (2025)
15.7 %
42nd fastest-growing of 52 in Africa
Projected population 2030 (2030)
2.7
41st highest of 52 in Africa
People per sq km (2025)
4
50th most crowded of 53 in Africa
Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Botswana |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2.2 |
| 2016 | 2.2 |
| 2017 | 2.3 |
| 2018 | 2.3 |
| 2019 | 2.3 |
| 2020 | 2.4 |
| 2021 | 2.4 |
| 2022 | 2.4 |
| 2023 | 2.5 |
| 2024 | 2.5 |
| 2025 | 2.6 |
| 2026 | 2.6 (partial) |
| 2027 | 2.6 (partial) |
| 2028 | 2.7 (partial) |
| 2029 | 2.7 (partial) |
| 2030 | 2.7 (partial) |
Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Inflation and unemployment in Botswana
Prices in Botswana rose 2.7% in 2025, 33rd highest of 52 in Africa. The ILO estimates unemployment at 24.5% (2025) and 46% among people aged 15 to 24. Botswana's own survey put it at 24.4% in 2024. Inflation in Africa · Unemployment in Africa · Botswana's economy.
Inflation (2025)
2.7 %
20th lowest of 52 in Africa
Unemployment (2025)
24.5 %
50th lowest of 53 in Africa
Youth unemployment (2025)
46.0 %
49th lowest of 53 in Africa
Unemployment, national survey (2024)
24.4 %
National survey
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Botswana |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7.0 |
| 2011 | 8.5 |
| 2012 | 7.5 |
| 2013 | 5.9 |
| 2014 | 4.4 |
| 2015 | 3.1 |
| 2016 | 2.8 |
| 2017 | 3.3 |
| 2018 | 3.2 |
| 2019 | 2.8 |
| 2020 | 1.9 |
| 2021 | 7.2 |
| 2022 | 11.7 |
| 2023 | 5.1 |
| 2024 | 2.8 |
| 2025 | 2.7 |
| 2026 | Not published |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | ILO modelled estimate | National survey |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 17.9 | 17.9 |
| 2011 | 18.1 | 20.0 |
| 2012 | 17.9 | Not published |
| 2013 | 18.2 | 20.0 |
| 2014 | 18.5 | Not published |
| 2015 | 18.9 | Not published |
| 2016 | 19.3 | Not published |
| 2017 | 19.7 | Not published |
| 2018 | 19.7 | Not published |
| 2019 | 20.1 | 20.1 |
| 2020 | 21.0 | 21.0 |
| 2021 | 23.1 | 23.1 |
| 2022 | 23.6 | 23.6 |
| 2023 | 23.4 | 23.4 |
| 2024 | 23.8 | 24.4 |
| 2025 | 24.5 | Not published |
| 2026 | Not published | Not published |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Life expectancy and infant mortality in Botswana
A child born in Botswana can expect to live 69.3 years (2024). 33 of every 1,000 children die before age five. Life expectancy in Africa, all countries ranked.
Life expectancy (2024)
69.3
10th longest of 54 in Africa
Child deaths under five (2024)
33
11th lowest of 54 in Africa
Health spending per person (2023)
490
4th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Botswana | Middle African country |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 62.2 | 61.8 |
| 2015 | 63.2 | 62.3 |
| 2016 | 64.3 | 62.8 |
| 2017 | 65.4 | 63.1 |
| 2018 | 66.4 | 63.2 |
| 2019 | 67.2 | 63.3 |
| 2020 | 67.6 | 63.7 |
| 2021 | 63.3 | 62.5 |
| 2022 | 68.7 | 64.6 |
| 2023 | 69.2 | 65.6 |
| 2024 | 69.3 | 65.8 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Botswana |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 49 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 45 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 41 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 39 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 33 |
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Literacy rate in Botswana
81.2% of adults in Botswana can read and write (2003, World Bank). This is the latest survey, and it is old. Literacy rate in Africa by country · Universities and exam bodies in Botswana.
Adult literacy (2003)
81.2 %
14th highest of 52 in Africa
Youth literacy (2003)
94.0 %
11th highest of 53 in Africa
Education spending, % of GDP (2020)
8.1 %
3rd highest of 52 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Human development and internet access in Botswana
Botswana's Human Development Index was 0.731 in 2023, 111th of 193 countries in the world (high human development). Human Development Index in Africa · Tech and internet in Africa · Learn digital skills with SR Academy.
Human Development Index (2023)
0.73
7th highest of 54 in Africa
Internet users (2024)
57.5 %
18th highest of 54 in Africa
Mobile subscriptions (2024)
164
5th highest of 54 in Africa
Access to electricity (2024)
80.2 %
14th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
View the data as a table
| Period | Botswana | Middle African country |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0.59 | 0.44 |
| 2001 | 0.60 | 0.45 |
| 2002 | 0.59 | 0.45 |
| 2003 | 0.60 | 0.46 |
| 2004 | 0.61 | 0.46 |
| 2005 | 0.62 | 0.47 |
| 2006 | 0.63 | 0.47 |
| 2007 | 0.64 | 0.48 |
| 2008 | 0.65 | 0.49 |
| 2009 | 0.64 | 0.50 |
| 2010 | 0.65 | 0.50 |
| 2011 | 0.66 | 0.51 |
| 2012 | 0.67 | 0.52 |
| 2013 | 0.68 | 0.52 |
| 2014 | 0.69 | 0.52 |
| 2015 | 0.69 | 0.53 |
| 2016 | 0.70 | 0.53 |
| 2017 | 0.70 | 0.54 |
| 2018 | 0.71 | 0.54 |
| 2019 | 0.72 | 0.55 |
| 2020 | 0.72 | 0.55 |
| 2021 | 0.70 | 0.56 |
| 2022 | 0.73 | 0.57 |
| 2023 | 0.73 | 0.57 |
Source: UNDP, Human Development Report, composite indices time series. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Is Botswana safe?
The US State Department rates Botswana at level 2 of 4: exercise increased caution. The homicide rate is 11.4 per 100,000 people (2021). Safest countries in Africa.
US travel advisory level (2026)
2
33rd safest by advisory of 54 in Africa
Homicide rate (2021)
11.4
31st lowest of 37 in Africa
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Coups, democracy and stability in Botswana
The Cline Center records no coup, attempt or plot in Botswana. Coups in Africa: every country.
Voice and accountability (2025)
65
5th highest of 54 in Africa
Political stability (2025)
85
2nd highest of 54 in Africa
Control of corruption (2025)
60
4th highest of 54 in Africa
Source: World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.
Botswana's debt
Government debt was 34% of GDP in 2025 (IMF). The largest foreign creditor is African Development Bank, owed 48.7% of public debt abroad (2024). Botswana's debt and creditors in full · Debt in Africa.
Where Botswana ranks in Africa
Its place among the 54 African countries on each of our Africa rankings. Each tile opens the full ranking with its source.
- GDP per person5th of 53$7,802, 2025Richest countries in Africa
- Size of the economy29th of 53$19.9 billion, 2025Largest economies in Africa
- Population42nd of 532.55 million, 2025African countries by population
- Area23rd of 54581,730 sq kmLargest countries in Africa
- Life expectancy10th of 5469.3 years, 2024Life expectancy in Africa
- US travel advisory22nd of 54Level 2, increased cautionSafest countries in Africa
- President's time in office41st longest of 51Duma Gideon Boko, 1 yearsLongest serving presidents
- President's age11th youngest of 5156 years oldYoungest presidents in Africa
Cite this
PollsAfrica (2026). Government of Botswana. Retrieved 26 Oct 2026 from https://pollsafrica.com/countries/botswana