Botswana Pension Score Falls to 57 as Alexforbes Urges Greater Retirement Savings Coverage

Botswana Pension Score Falls to 57 as Alexforbes Urges Greater Retirement Savings Coverage. Botswana’s retirement income system has received a C grade in the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index, with a score of 57.0, prompting renewed calls for broader retirement savings participation and improved long-term financial security.

The country ranked second among the four African retirement income systems assessed, behind Namibia and ahead of Kenya and South Africa.

The latest score represents a decline from 59.8 recorded in the 2025 index. According to the report’s country commentary, the decrease was primarily linked to a recent court ruling concerning the treatment of pension assets during divorce proceedings and a refinement in the assessment of net pension replacement rates to account for informal employment.

Alexforbes Botswana said the decline should be considered in the context of these legal and methodological changes rather than interpreted as a reflection of pension fund investment performance.

The Global Pension Index assesses retirement systems across three main areas: the adequacy of retirement income, the sustainability of funding arrangements and the integrity of governance and protections.

Commenting on Botswana’s results, Nina Sephuma, Head of Client Servicing at Alexforbes Botswana, said the priority should be ensuring more people participate in retirement savings and that accumulated funds provide sustainable income after retirement.

She said the index offers a benchmark for assessing pension systems, but the ultimate objective should be improving access to retirement savings and helping individuals make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Alexforbes has identified broader participation, affordable and consistent contributions, and preserving retirement savings as key priorities for Botswana’s retirement income discussion.

The organisation also highlighted the importance of helping workers understand how their accumulated savings can support their financial needs throughout retirement.

Botswana’s latest assessment places attention on the relationship between pension coverage, retirement savings and the ability of individuals to maintain financial security after leaving the workforce.