Botswana’s annual inflation rate eased for the third consecutive month, reaching 7.8% in September 2026, its lowest level since March. The slowdown was driven mainly by softer price increases in transportation (15% vs 19.7% in August), particularly in the operating costs of personal vehicles (17.4% vs 26.5%). Inflation also moderated in several other categories, including food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.5% vs 5.9%); alcoholic beverages and tobacco (8.5% vs 10%); miscellaneous goods and services (11% vs 11.6%); clothing and footwear (4.4% vs 5%); and furnishings and household equipment (4.2% vs 5.1%).
By contrast, price pressures in housing and utilities remained relatively firm at 4.8%, while inflation accelerated in recreation and culture (3.6% vs 3.1%). On a monthly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.1%, following a 0.4% increase in the previous month.
