The Ministry of Finance on Friday said it was seeking parliamentary approval for P8.83 billion under the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12), laying out a digital-first reform package that aims to tighten fiscal controls, modernise tax collection, and crowd in private sector growth.
Presenting the Public Investment Programme (PIP), Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe said the funds—covering both ongoing and new projects—will “build the foundations of a new economy.” Of the total, P2.07 billion will complete existing projects, while P6.76 billion is earmarked for new ones aligned with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).
The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) takes the biggest slice at P4.13 billion, with key projects including the rollout of electronic VAT invoicing, digital taxation for online services, and upgraded border infrastructure. Gaolathe said the reforms would expand Botswana’s tax base and improve compliance, helping fund social and infrastructure programmes sustainably.
Technology and digital systems dominate the ministry’s agenda, with P486 million allocated to ICT development projects such as a national payment switch, an upgraded accounting and budgeting system, and a regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation. The government also plans to introduce an e-procurement platform to curb corruption and inefficiencies.
State-owned enterprises will receive P2.3 billion for restructuring, including transforming the National Development Bank into an agricultural lender, while P1.29 billion is set aside for infrastructure development, including new offices for key financial institutions.
“This plan is about dignity, opportunity, and hope,” Gaolathe told Parliament. “It’s about building an economy that creates jobs, rewards innovation, and ensures every Pula collected works for the people of Botswana.”
