As of 2024, the top 1% in Botswana earned 23.28% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 7.62%. Botswana’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 24.36%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Botswana in 2024
In 2024, income in Botswana was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 23.28% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 7.62% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Botswana | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 23.28% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 60.61% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 7.62% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Botswana?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Botswana’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 24.36% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 1.08 percentage points to 23.28%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Botswana has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 60.98% while the bottom 50% received 7.94%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 60.61% and 7.62% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 24.36% | 60.98% | 7.94% | 53.04 pp |
| 1986 | 26.03% | 62.00% | 7.73% | 54.27 pp |
| 1992 | 36.03% | 68.10% | 6.47% | 61.63 pp |
| 1998 | 31.00% | 67.88% | 6.00% | 61.88 pp |
| 2004 | 26.15% | 66.25% | 6.20% | 60.05 pp |
| 2010 | 26.75% | 63.96% | 7.30% | 56.66 pp |
| 2016 | 23.28% | 60.61% | 7.62% | 52.99 pp |
| 2022 | 23.28% | 60.61% | 7.62% | 52.99 pp |
How Botswana Compares Globally
Botswana vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Botswana’s top 1% income share of 23.28% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Botswana receives 7.62% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Botswana Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Botswana ranks 10th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Botswana ranks 180th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Botswana include Algeria's wealth gap, Saudi Arabia, India's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Botswana?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Botswana earned 23.28% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Botswana?
Income inequality in Botswana has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 24.36% in 1980 to 23.28% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Botswana?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Botswana received 7.62% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 60.61%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.