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

Recieving COVID-19 vaccine. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Gov't denies supplying expired COVID-19 vaccines

Larona Makhaiza | 13 h ago

Chop stix

Michelle Phetlhe | 2d ago

World Relays: The muted preps

Thuli Jankey | 2d ago

Magosi, DIS top brass slapped with contempt charges

Sharon Mathala | 2d ago

‘This is bad economics’- Saleshando

Larona Makhaiza | 18 h ago

Meropa issues final warning in P140m legal battle against Minergy

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

Councillor denied bail over child rape charges

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | 1d ago

Investor interest grows in BETP

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

Mabogo dinku a thebana

According to both the acting director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale and acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, the virus currently raging through the North-East mostly likely first entered the country during the festive season.From the “unprecedented” number of cases picked in testing last week, it is likely that cattle and other livestock could have been infected last year, without being reported.Animal health...

Mmegi Editor | 06 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