Botswana Inflation Highest Since 2022

The annual inflation rate in Botswana surged to 10.3% in April 2026 from 4.2% in the previous month. This marked the highest reading since December 2022, largely driven by a sharp rise in transport costs, which climbed 28.5% (6.4% in March), following significant increases in retail fuel prices and public transport fares. Inflation also accelerated for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (10.3% vs 9.9%) and miscellaneous goods and services (10.3% vs 9.4%). On the other hand, prices declined for housing and utilities (-1.7% vs -2.4%) and communication (-1.1% vs -1.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up by 6.7% in April, the sharpest rise on record and up from a 0.4% gain in the preceding period.

The annual inflation rate in Botswana rose to 4.2% in March 2026 from 4% in February, marking the highest reading since June 2023. The main positive contributors were transportation (6.4% vs 6.3% in February); food & non-alcoholic beverages (5.8% vs 5.4%); miscellaneous goods & services (9.4% vs 9.2%) and alcoholic beverages & tobacco (9.9% vs 9.4%). In late March, the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) announced a significant increase in the retail pump prices of petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4% in March, after a 0.2% increase in the previous month.

The annual inflation rate edged down to 4% in February 2026 from 4.1% in January, which was the steepest since June 2023. Prices slowed down a bit for some CPI items, including food & non-alcoholic beverages (5.4% vs 6.1% in January); alcoholic beverages & tobacco (9.4% vs 9.7%); miscellaneous goods & services (9.2% vs 9.3%); clothing & footwear (4.1% vs 4.3%) and furnishings & household equipment (4.8% vs 4.9%). Moreover, prices continued to fall for housing & utilities (-2.7% vs -2.8%) and communications (-1.2% vs -1.1%). Meanwhile, transport costs rose at a slightly faster 6.3%, compared to 6% in January. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.2%, after a 0.6% increase in the previous month.