Botswana Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1977–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$589 million
Ranked #96 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.6%
Ranked #42 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.8%
From $573M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$591 million
Reached in 2016
Botswana Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Botswana is estimated to have spent $589 million on military and defense, representing 2.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Botswana is the #96 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.8%, from $573 million to $589 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.9% in 1993. The historical average military budget is 3.2% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 2.60% | $589M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.60% | $573M |
| 2024 | 2.83% | $556M |
| 2023 | 2.46% | $486M |
| 2022 | 2.52% | $499M |
| 2021 | 3.05% | $523M |
| 2020 | 3.33% | $538M |
| 2019 | 3.08% | $532M |
| 2018 | 2.92% | $502M |
| 2017 | 3.25% | $552M |
| 2016 | 3.41% | $591M |
| 2015 | 2.83% | $421M |
| 2014 | 2.21% | $347M |
| 2013 | 2.15% | $300M |
| 2012 | 2.34% | $307M |
| 2011 | 2.40% | $330M |
| 2010 | 2.76% | $341M |
| 2009 | 3.26% | $364M |
| 2008 | 3.10% | $377M |
| 2007 | 2.90% | $353M |