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P (BWP)
48/week
The Republic of Botswana is an English-speaking landlocked country in southern 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 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, and
employee’s signature or thumbprint.
The standard workweek in Botswana is 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.
Employees receive up to 14 days of paid sick leave in Botswana if they have 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.
Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave in Botswana. 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.
Employers are not required to pay bonuses in Botswana but may elect to do so as part of their compensation package.
Employees in Botswana receive 15 days of paid leave each year, eight of which should be taken within six months of the time that they were accrued. The remaining days can be accumulated for up to three years.
In Botswana, the public holidays are:
New Year's Day
2nd January
Good Friday
Saturday following Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ascension Day
Labor Day
Sir Seretse Khama Day
President's Day
Tuesday following President's Day
Botswana Day
1st October
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Botswana has a universal healthcare system, but many employers still offer private options.
Employers must provide written notice and just cause when terminating a contract in Botswana. The notice period is equivalent to the pay period. Professional staff, like managers and executives, receive severance pay after 60 consecutive months of employment.
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.
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.
Our team of regional experts are here to support you with your global expansion plans. If you have any questions, just get in touch and we will be delighted to help.
