The annual inflation rate in Botswana rose 10.7% in May 2026 from 10.3% in the previous month, remaining as the highest reading since December 2022. Costs increased in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (10.5% vs 10.3% in April), clothing and footwear (4.8% vs 4.5%), furnishings and household equipment (5.1% vs 5%), health (4% vs 3.6%), transportation (28.6% vs 28.5%), restaurants and hotels (5.1% vs 4.1%), and miscellaneous goods and services (11.1% vs 10.3%). At the same time, price growth remained steady in recreation and culture (1.6%) and education (2.1%), while deflation slowed in housing and utilities (-0.2% vs -1.7%) and communication (-0.9% vs -1.1%). In contrast, prices moderated slightly in food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.7% vs 5.8%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices grew by 0.3% in May, easing sharply from a 6.7% jump in the preceding period.