Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa, and one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Since its independence, Botswana has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The country has a universal healthcare system, so while private health insurance is available it is not widely used.

As of 2022 the minimum wage in Botswana is BWP 7.34 per hour. The standard workweek is 48 hours, with no more than 9 hours worked each day for a 5-day week, or 8 hours each day for a 6-day week.

Employees are allowed a maximum of 14 hours of overtime each week at 150% of their regular salary rate. Any work done on public holidays or rest days should be paid at 200% the normal salary rate.

Parental Leave

Pregnant employees in Botswana are entitled to 12 weeks of partly-paid maternity leave, with 6 weeks to be taken before the child’s birth and 6 weeks taken after. During their leave, employees are eligible for at least 50% of their basic salary. There is no statutory paternity leave.

Sick Leave

Employees in Botswana are usually entitled to 20 days of paid sick leave each year, as long as they provide a doctor’s certificate.

Paid Leave

There are 8 public holidays in Botswana, and employees are also entitled to 15 days of paid time off each year (8 of these days of must be taken in the first 6 months of the year). The remaining days can roll over for up to 3 years.

Process

If terminating an employee during the probationary period in Botswana, no reason is required. The probationary period is 3 months for “unskilled” employees and 12 months for “skilled” employees — probationary terms must be provided in writing before employment begins.

Both the employee and the employer may terminate the employment contract. Minimum notice, equivalent to the wage period, must be given or pay in lieu unless the employee was guilty of serious misconduct, no notice is needed.

Notice Period

Minimum notice (equivalent to the wage period) must be given to the employee before termination, or the employer can choose to pay a severance in lieu of notice. If the employee is guilty of serious misconduct, then no notice is needed.

Severance Pay

Professional staff are usually entitled to a severance if they have served 5 years of continuous employment at the company. The severance payment should be equal to 1 day of pay for each month worked in the first 5 years plus and 2 days of pay for each additional month served. Employees who receive a pension at the end of employment in Botswana are not entitled to a severance payment.

N/A