Government Expenditure: Botswana
Botswana's government expenditure is currently 33.393 % of GDP as of 2026. # Botswana Government Expenditure Botswana's government expenditure stands at 33.
Current (2026)
33.393 % of GDP
-2.5% y/y
Peak (2009)
52.123 % of GDP
Low (2022)
29.119 % of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
2004–2026 · 23 pts
Government Expenditure — Botswana
2004 — 2026
Government Expenditure — Botswana
Analysis# Botswana Government Expenditure
Botswana's government expenditure stands at 33.393% of GDP in 2026, down significantly from its all-time peak of 52.123% in 2009. The country has reduced spending by 16.2% relative to GDP since 2004, though current levels remain above the all-time low of 29.119% recorded in 2022. This middle-range position reflects a gradual consolidation of fiscal commitments over two decades.
A sharp decline occurred between 2019 and 2022, when expenditure fell from 36.861% to 29.119%—the most dramatic contraction in the dataset. Since then, spending has stabilized and edged upward, fluctuating between 32.4% and 34.2% from 2023 onward. The recent pattern suggests Botswana has settled into a sustainable spending range after aggressive fiscal tightening, with 2026 projections indicating continued moderation around current levels.
Historical Data
23 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33.393 % of GDP | -2.45% |
| 2025 | 34.233 % of GDP | +1.85% |
| 2024 | 33.612 % of GDP | +3.59% |
| 2023 | 32.447 % of GDP | +11.43% |
| 2022 | 29.119 % of GDP | -7.28% |
| 2021 | 31.406 % of GDP | -14.04% |
| 2020 | 36.535 % of GDP | -0.88% |
| 2019 | 36.861 % of GDP | +3.57% |
| 2018 | 35.591 % of GDP | +2.65% |
| 2017 | 34.672 % of GDP | +1.64% |
| 2016 | 34.111 % of GDP | -9.79% |
| 2015 | 37.813 % of GDP | +3.51% |
| 2014 | 36.532 % of GDP | +9.09% |
| 2013 | 33.487 % of GDP | -9.85% |
| 2012 | 37.147 % of GDP | -0.03% |
| 2011 | 37.158 % of GDP | -12.74% |
| 2010 | 42.581 % of GDP | -18.31% |
| 2009 | 52.123 % of GDP | +8.31% |
| 2008 | 48.122 % of GDP | +29.82% |
| 2007 | 37.067 % of GDP | +11.91% |
Show all 23 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 33.121 % of GDP | -1.96% |
| 2005 | 33.783 % of GDP | -15.22% |
| 2004 | 39.847 % of GDP | — |
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