In a bold move aimed at promoting skills development and bridging educational inequalities, President Advocate Duma Boko has announced a substantial increase in living allowances for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students. Effective August 2025, the allowance will rise from P300 to P1,900 per month.
President Boko made the announcement during a kgotla meeting held in Lerala yesterday, where he addressed residents and stakeholders on the importance of supporting vocational training as a key driver of national development.
Highlighting the longstanding disparity between financial support given to TVET students and their counterparts in traditional academic institutions, President Boko stated that the previous funding structure had long discouraged many young people from pursuing careers in technical fields.
“The disparity has created a negative narrative about technical education as a last resort for those who do not thrive academically,” said President Boko. “This perception is not only a misinformation but also counterproductive to the growth of handy skilled expertise, as it discourages youth from acquiring essential skills in fields that are in demand.”
The decision to revise the allowance comes at a time when Botswana is seeking to diversify its economy and reduce youth unemployment by strengthening its vocational and technical education sector. By raising the living allowance, the government hopes to attract more students to pursue training in practical fields such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, mechanical repair, and other high-demand trades.
President Boko emphasized that the increased support is part of a broader effort to elevate the status of TVET institutions and ensure that all learners, regardless of academic path, are given equal opportunities to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to reshaping the country’s education system to better align with labour market needs, thereby reducing dependency on white-collar employment and encouraging entrepreneurship through skills development.
The announcement has been met with optimism across the country, particularly from TVET students and educators who have long advocated for better support. The move is expected to increase enrolment and retention in vocational institutions, further strengthening the country’s technical workforce.
As the new policy takes effect in August, Botswana will take a significant step towards empowering its youth and recognising the critical role that skilled trades play in building a resilient, self-reliant nation.
