Country Information

The Republic of Botswana is an English-speaking landlocked country in Southern Africa. Botswana hosts a political and economic system that is regarded as one of the most stable and corruption-free systems of government in Africa. Botswana has a vibrant diamond trade and is rich in coal, iron, ore and various other minerals. Botswana’s political and economic stability, and strategic location relative to the southern and eastern regions of Africa are considerations for businesses considering expansion in this area.

Employment Contracts

Employment contracts in Botswana may be written or oral and must include:

  • Names of the employer and employee
  • Names and addresses of the next of kin of the employee
  • Workplace location
  • Responsibilities of the employer and employee
  • Contract duration
  • Salary details including amount, payment interval and bonuses
  • Notice period and any conditions related to terminating the contract
  • Employee’s signature or thumbprint

Working Hours

Employees typically work 48 hours a week over five or six days. Any work performed over 48 hours is considered overtime for which employees receive extra pay. Overtime is limited to 14 hours per week and is paid at 150% or 200% of the basic rate depending on when the overtime is performed.

Sick Leave

Employees receive up to 14 days of paid sick leave with a doctor’s certificate. The employee must inform the employer as soon as possible if they are absent from work for more than 24 hours.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave. Six weeks of maternity leave is taken before the expected due date and the remaining is taken after the birth. Maternity leave can be extended by two additional weeks if there is a pregnancy related illness.

Compensation

Employers are not required to pay employees bonuses but may elect to do so as part of their compensation package.

Vacation Leave

Employees receive 15 days of paid leave each year. Employees must take eight vacation days within six months of accrual. The remaining days can be accumulated for up to three years.

Public Holidays

The following holidays are observed in Botswana:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • Labor Day
  • Ascension Day
  • Sir Seretse Khama Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Independence Day
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing DayIf a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be observed the following Monday.
Health Insurance Benefits

Botswana has a universal healthcare system, but many employers still offer private options.

Employment / Termination / Severance

Employers generally can terminate an employment contract by providing written notice to the employee. The notice period is equivalent to the pay period of the employee. If the employee is paid monthly, then the notice period is one month. If the employee is paid weekly, then the notice period is one week. No notice is required if the employee is dismissed for misconduct or poor performance. Special rules apply to redundancy dismissals. Professional staff, like managers and executives, receive severance pay after 60 consecutive months of employment. This is calculated as a day of pay for each month served up to 60 months, and then two days for every further month.

Local Laws & Regulations

We understand that local laws and regulations change and sourcing an accurate reference guide is not easy. Our data is researched and verified by our team of local international Employment Attorneys, HR and Benefit Professionals and Tax Accountants through our Atlas team and consultants, to ensure information up-to-date and accurate.

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Partner with Atlas

Partnering with Atlas when expanding into Botswana, can dramatically reduce the standard brick and mortar processes of doing business in foreign markets and allow you to focus on what you do best, growing your company! To discover more about how Atlas can simplify your ability to expand globally, please feel free to contact us.
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