Staff movement and duty of careGuarded
Foreign governments advise normal to increased caution.
Country risk assessment ยท Africa
Botswana political and security risk assessment
Botswana carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 19 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and falling over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
19of 100
Low
Band 1 of 5
▬ Unchanged on last week
Africa
Botswana
What is the political and security risk in Botswana right now?
Botswana carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 19 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and falling over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is steady. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings.
On the economic side, real GDP contracted 0.7% in 2025 with inflation at 2.7%.
What are the main risks of operating in Botswana?
Armed conflict and political violenceGuarded
Armed violence is occasional and mostly localized.
Protest and civil unrestGuarded
Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
What has changed recently in Botswana?
Botswana moved unchanged this week and fell 5 points over the last 12 weeks, from 24 to 19.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is likely that Botswana stays in the Low band through the end of December. It sits 6 points from the Guarded band.
60 to 75%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Trade equals 70% of GDP (2025 data). Supply chain exposure is mainly to regional and global shocks rather than local events.
Operating conditions are normal. Standard security precautions apply.
Key facts
GDPUS$19.9 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth-0.7%Latest data, 2025
Inflation2.7%Latest data, 2025
Trade70% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Ores and metals11% of goods exportsLatest data, 2023
Population2.6 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Botswana threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Botswana for business?
Botswana carries a low level of political and security risk for business. It scores 19 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 1 of 5), unchanged on last week and falling over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Botswana?
The main risk drivers are staff movement and duty of care (guarded); armed conflict and political violence (guarded); protest and civil unrest (guarded). Foreign governments advise normal to increased caution.
What is the outlook for Botswana?
We assess it is likely (60 to 75%) that Botswana stays in the Low band through the end of December. It sits 6 points from the Guarded band.
How often is the Botswana risk assessment updated?
The Botswana threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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