Botswana’s Hike of Old Age Pensions Hasn’t Fixed the Problem of Who Cares for Them – New Study

The government of Botswana in southern Africa dramatically increased the universal old age pension for all citizens aged 65 and above from P830 (about US$63) to P1,400 (about US$106) per month in 2025. Headlines celebrated the near 70% rise in value. For many older citizens struggling with rising food and transport costs, it appeared to signal a new era of state recognition of elder care.

But if you look closer, the story is less straightforward.

A cash increase is something you can measure, and…