Rentals, the informal sector and govt intervention

Social distancing and lockdown rules, whilst necessary for the control of the virus, are detrimental to many economies and more so an economy like that of Botswana, which is reliant on sectors such as hospitality, travel, tourism, mining and the informal sector.

The Botswana government has in previous weeks announced many interventions to assist businesses that will be adversely affected by this pandemic. These interventions include a wage subsidy ranging from P1,000 to P2,500 for employees of companies and industries affected by the pandemic, tax deferrals, loan guarantees and holidays from commercial banks, a food basket programme and a potential economic stimulus package to encourage Batswana to get into businesses such as manufacturing going forward.