The Bank of Botswana has confirmed that lower-denomination coins, particularly 5 and 10 thebe coins, remain legal tender and should be accepted and used in cash transactions. Although businesses have reported difficulty obtaining 5 thebe coins for change, bank records indicate that adequate quantities remain in the economy, with shortages in active circulation largely attributed to coins being stored for long periods or discarded. The bank urged the public to use the coins for small-value payments and deposit excess holdings with commercial banks for redistribution. Damaged coins may be presented to commercial banks for assessment and exchange. Businesses and vendors must provide correct change, while customers are entitled to receive it, and the bank is engaging stakeholders to improve coin distribution nationwide.
2026-08-20Bank of Botswana
Bank of Botswana confirms 5 and 10 thebe coins remain legal tender, calls for recirculation
The Bank of Botswana confirmed that 5 and 10 thebe coins remain legal tender and must continue to be accepted. It attributed reported shortages mainly to coins being stored or discarded rather than insufficient supply and urged the public to return excess coins to commercial banks. Businesses must provide customers with correct change.