The government of Botswana in southern Africa dramatically increased the universal old age pension for all citizens aged 65 and above from P830 (about US$63) to P1,400 (about US$106) per month in 2025. Headlines celebrated the near 70% rise in value. For many older citizens struggling with rising food and transport costs, it appeared to signal a new era of state recognition of elder care.
But if you look closer, the story is less straightforward.
A cash increase is something you can measure, and you can see who gets it. But it does not address the deeper question confronting ageing in Botswana: who provides care and under what conditions?
