Gaborone — The University of Botswana (UB) will today host its third National Budget Dialogue, a high-level forum bringing together academics, policymakers, industry leaders and the public to interrogate the country’s fiscal direction.

The event runs from 07:00 to 09:30 at the UB Campus Indoor Sports Centre and comes at a critical time as Botswana grapples with fiscal consolidation, rising debt and the need to stimulate inclusive growth.

This year’s dialogue will feature a multidisciplinary panel examining themes from the 2026/27 National Budget, including financing universal health coverage amid shrinking fiscal space, efficiency in education spending, and strategies to achieve fiscal consolidation without stifling growth.

Discussions will also explore opportunities in digital investment, the gig economy and creative industries as potential drivers of productivity, job creation and export revenue.

Higher Education Minister Prince Maele will deliver reflections on the budget’s implications for the sector, while panellists include Professor Billy Tsima (Faculty of Medicine), Professor Phillip Bulawa (School of Graduate Studies), Dr Jonah Tlhalefang (Economics), Ms Kimberly Cornfield (Research and Development), and Professor Connie Rapoo (Visual and Performing Arts).

UB describes the dialogue as an important national platform for informed engagement on fiscal policy and its broader developmental implications.