SONA 2026: Boko walking a tightrope

• Economy remains exposed to weak diamond sales shocks
• Boko gives the nation feedback on promises, projects etc.
• Secured China deals expected to lighten up Boko’s spirit
• Foot and Mouth update could form key part of address

BAKANG TIRO

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

All eyes would be on President Duma Boko on the 09 November 2026 when he delivers the State of the Nation (SONA) address in the midst of a subdued economy which has attracted heavy criticism from sections of society.

Boko steps to the podium at the time where the country is facing fiscal pressures emanating from weaker diamond sales and Foot and Mouth Disease that crippled the beef industry etc. Economic observers say the country is a precarious situation and the worst could still occur. So, Advocate Boko is expected to comprehensively outline the government’s achievements in the past 2025 SONA targets as well as pointing out how they intend to turnaround economy now.

Also, the nation is anxious as cost of living continues to escalate with government hiking fees in most of government services. Boko will be delivering the third SONA since UDC won state power in October 2024, bringing to an end Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) long stint of 58 years.

Fiscal tightrope

Economist Dr Mosimane Rammika said Botswana is walking in a tightrope and Boko together with UDC administration must walk the talk and most importantly save economy from collapsing.

He said UDC new administratioprogressive social agenda has already brought tangible relief to ordinary citizens, most notably through interventions for low-income brackets and the popular upward adjustment of the national old age pension. However, Dr Rammika noted that funding these vital social safety nets while investing in infrastructure requires a delicate macro-fiscal balancing act.

According to him, the expansion of domestic liquidity through welfare transfers introduces short-term  upward pressure on Botswana’s debt-to-GDP ratio and may temporarily compress the primary fiscal balance. To maintain the nation’s conservative debt ceilings and protect its. strong sovereign credit rating, the SONA will outline a strict fiscal strategy. The government plans to aggressively cut non-essential recurring state expenditure while widening non-mineral tax and revenue streams to stabilise the treasury,” he said.

Job creation

With jobs have been top priority for UDC during 2024 campaigns, it is expected that Boko will give an update on number of jobs that UDC has created so far.

Last week during Botswana National Front (BNF) Special Policy Conference in Selebi Phikwe, Boko reiterated that UDC still hold firm on its target to create 100 000 jobs. He also said the Smart City Project in Gaborone would create 37 000 jobs revealing that the project will commence before end of the year.

FMD update

Also, Boko is expected to extensively brief the nation about FMD outbreak and its impact on the economy. The beef sector has been put on hold by the FMD restrictions for the better part of the year.

Estimates have been that the sector could have lost in millions due to FMD lockdown with job losses also being felt incurred in the sector. Government last week announced live exports of cattle and meat products dispensation for a period of 12 months and six (6) months, extending relief to the beef industry. Under the new conditions, the live cattle export levy will increase from P30 to P300 per head, while the domestic slaughter levy will remain at P30 per head until the domestic market stabilise.

Foreign policy

Political analyst, Kitso Morekisi observed that Boko has done well in terms of foreign policy and shifted the country to new opportunities in the East and Middle East in Particular. He said the partnerships between Botswana and countries such Oman and United Arab Emirates are important for broadening the country’s diplomatic reach. He said Boko will be buoyed by latest benefits that came from his China visit, adding that the P400 million grant from China would create economic growth opportunities.

Boko said Botswana and China relations have been elevated, emphasizing that there’s no imperial hubris in relation to China.  “They share their experiences and they understand that each nation will draw lessons from what China has gone through and customise, tailor specifically for the concrete material conditions of that particular country,” he said.

BETP projects

Moreover, an update on Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) is likely to form key part of Boko’s address. Government has been moving with pace to accelerate BETP projects even though limited progress has been made on BETP projects.

BETP comprises 186 high priority projects and initiatives across six economic priorities — agriculture; manufacturing; financial services and digitalisation; tourism; energy and mining; and infrastructure — together with three social sectors: healthcare, education and social protection.

2025 highlights

Delivering SONA last year under the theme “The Steady Path: Delivering on Our Promise, One Step at a Time’’ Boko highlighted the following achievements by UDC government; 30% reduction in water tarrifs, 50% reduction in water debt (amnesty) for Batswana, 68% increase in old age pension from P800 to P1400 and  533% increase in TVET allowance from P300 to P1900.

Boko emphasized that his administration’s approach to governance remains measured, focused, and driven by results, noting that meaningful progress takes time and consistency rather than quick fixes. “We are not chasing quick wins; we are laying solid foundations for lasting transformation. Our journey is one of discipline, purpose and unity. Progress is not an event; it is a journey and ours continues step by step, grounded in the shared vision of a stronger, fairer and more prosperous nation,” said Boko at the time.