English is used mainly for government and formal communication, while Setswana is highly important in national and everyday interaction. Botswana also has several local languages, including Ikalanga, IsiNdebele, Shona, Naro, Sheyeyi, ThiMbukushu, Otjiherero, Shekgalagari, Chikuhane, Khwedam, Nama, and Botswana Sign Language. A comprehensive National Language Policy was still under development at the time of research; the education framework for the language of instruction is separate from it. The Mother Tongue Teaching and Learning Policy has applied since 2023 from Pre-primary through Standard 2 and was initially implemented at 170 primary schools in 13 local languages. The local language mainly serves as an explanatory and instructional language rather than as a separate school subject. Practical implementation depends, among other things, on trained teachers, Teacher Aides, teaching materials, and regional resources. In school examinations, English is a core subject in the junior certificate examination (JCE) and the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). Setswana is provided as a Core-Exempt subject in the JCE and as Core-Exempt subject 0562 in the BGCSE; for citizens of Botswana, Setswana is compulsory in the BGCSE. French can be taken as an elective subject. The Botswana Examinations Council organizes examinations and certifications, and access arrangements are available for learners with special educational needs. JCE and BGCSE examinations are open to school and private candidates, although specific registration requirements and fees depend on the respective examination cycle. Adults aged 19 and over can use the Adult Basic Education Programme (ABEP) if they cannot read and write, are only partially literate, or have not completed Standard 7. Level 1 covers Setswana, English, and mathematics at the Standard 1 to 2 level. Level 2 adds General Studies at the Standard 3 to 4 level, while Level 3 corresponds to the upper primary range of Standard 5 to 7 and is assigned a primary school leaving examination (PSLE) equivalence. Registration takes place throughout the year at Regional or Sub-Regional Offices with a certified national identity document; confirmation is expected within five working days. Course duration is flexible, and fees have not been published. The University of Botswana offers Setswana courses for non-native speakers. The beginner Level 1 course combines basic reading ability with communicative exercises related to everyday life and work and assesses discussion, role-play, reading, listening, and presentation, among other areas. A Certificate of Competence requires at least 85 percent attendance and completion of the course assignments. A published course cycle from 23 February to 30 April 2026 in Gaborone cost P1 400; further intensive courses in Setswana, Ikalanga, Shekgalagari, Otjimbanderu-Otjiherero, Kiswahili, and IsiZulu each ran for nine weeks with two sessions per week. The published prices and dates apply only to the respective course cycle. UB also offers language pathways in French, Portuguese, and Chinese, as well as English courses for written and oral communication, business letters, and reports. Functional course offerings exist for indigenous languages, but there is no nationwide, comprehensive language-course structure and no documented uniform proficiency scale for all local languages. Orthography, standardization, teaching materials, and trained specialists limit expansion. Botswana Sign Language is registered as Certificate V on National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) Level 5; formal access is through registered or accredited institutions, while costs and deadlines are not evidenced. There is no generally evidenced legal requirement to acquire an additional foreign language for English or Setswana. Language skills can be used, among other areas, for teaching, curriculum development, translation, interpreting, editing, public relations, tourism, and international affairs. Digital offerings supplement in-person and distance learning. Botswana Learning Passport has provided curriculum content, a digital library, revision materials, and performance monitoring since 2024; an offline version was announced, but a separate nationwide language-learning scope has not been evidenced. Moithuti AI supports Setswana and English with adaptive quizzes and a learning plan. Botswana Open University offers open and distance e-learning, but a standalone language-learning programme is not directly evidenced there. Course places, fees, language of instruction, and regional availability should be checked with the responsible school, institution, examination body, or provider before registration.
Languages in Botswana
Language learning in Botswana focuses primarily on English and Setswana, but also includes French, local languages, and Botswana Sign Language. English is the official language, Setswana is the national language and is especially widespread in everyday life. Language skills are used in schools, work, literacy, courses, and examinations.
Tip
Choose the language according to your specific use: English for government and formal communication, and Setswana for many everyday and national situations. For literacy, school examinations, professional communication, or a local language, use the appropriate educational pathway rather than assuming that a general course offering will meet your needs. Check dates, fees, access requirements, and regional availability directly with the provider.