the monitor

IMF urges end of tax holidays

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 480 Views |

STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE: The tax incentives introduced under SPEDU are meant to encourage investment in Selebi Phikwe and surrounding areas PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Botswana to end tax holidays such as those offered under SPEDU, warning that generous incentives are leaking revenue at a time when government finances are under growing strain.

In its latest Article IV mission report, the IMF argues that Botswana must urgently broaden its revenue base and rein in costly tax exemptions if it is to stabilise its fiscal position as mineral revenues soften and recurrent spending remains rigid.

“Measures to broaden the revenue base include streamlining exemptions on zero-rated VAT goods and services, replacing the CIT holidays in Special Economic Zones with less costly investment tax credits,” the IMF said in the report.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

ECONOMY

Balopi addressing members of BDP. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

BDP signals determined political comeback

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 12 h ago

Manual Workers Union persists in fighting Motsamai's appointment

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 12 h ago

Parly sets age 70 cap for AG retirement

Mpho Mokwape | 12 h ago

BDP pursues Masisi-Khama reconciliation

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 12 h ago

BDP retreat sparks debate over constitutionality

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 12 h ago

Hit-and-run leaves Lobatse man with critical injuries

Pini Bothoko | 26 m ago

Herder found dead at farm in Tewane outskirts

Pini Bothoko | 12 h ago

Street robbery cases on the rise in Molepolole

Pini Bothoko | 12 h ago

‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

Mmegi Editor | 27 February 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More

IMF urges end of tax holidays

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Botswana to end tax holidays such as those offered under SPEDU, warning that generous incentives are leaking revenue at a time when government finances are under growing strain.

BDP signals determined political comeback

Manual Workers Union persists in fighting Motsamai's appointment

Parly sets age 70 cap for AG retirement

BDP pursues Masisi-Khama reconciliation

BDP retreat sparks debate over constitutionality

Hit-and-run leaves Lobatse man with critical injuries

Herder found dead at farm in Tewane outskirts

Street robbery cases on the rise in Molepolole

‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability