Botswana Life Retirement Annuity Fund Introduces legislative changes in line with the Retirement
Funds Act, 2022

In line with the new Retirement Funds Act, 2022 and amendments to associated legislation, the
Botswana Life Retirement Annuity Fund (BLRAF) will be implementing the applicable changes to align
with the new legislative developments. These changes include, but are not limited to:

1. Ease of access to residual funds in instances where a Deferred Member has:
   a)    Defaulted on non-mortgage loans owed – the amount which can be accessed to pay for loans is
   increased from the current one third to 100% of pension, provided the pension can cover the whole
   amount of the loan. 
   b)    Defaulted on mortgage loans owed – allowing access to deferred pension to repay mortgage loans
   for principal homes.
   c)    Become terminally ill and must pay for medical expenses – this is also a new provision, which will
   allow access of deferred pension to pay for medical bills in respect of terminal ailments.
2.  Income Tax – Superannuation Funds Regulations:
   a) Increase in the amount of pension commutable – allowing you to give up part or all the pension
   payable from retirement in exchange for an immediate lump sum increases from the current one third
   of your pension to a maximum of 50%.
   b)   Dissolution or full distribution of the pension estate of a deceased member by paying total benefits
   in cash to all beneficiaries or nominees.
   c)    To increase the commutable amount when moving from one Pension Fund to another from the
   current BWP5,000.00 or 25 % to BWP25,000.00 or 25% whichever is higher: and
   d)    To increase the minimum threshold to be encashed in full at retirement from the current pension of
   BWP5,000.00 per annum to BWP20,000.00 per annum.
3. Revised Pension Funds Prudential Rule 
   a)    Allowing for equal balance between investments made by retirement funds – This allows for 50%
   onshore investments and 50% offshore investments. Previously, retirement funds could invest up to
   70% offshore and at least 30% onshore. 
   Said BLRAF Principal Officer, Mr. Duncan Hule, “The Botswana Life Retirement Annuity Fund was
   licensed in September 2019 ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and it will
   indeed continue to follow legislative changes prescribed by the enactment of the Retirement Fund Act,
   under the purview of NBFIRA. As with all changes within our industry, we will continue to maintain
   industry standards and follow all regulations set forth by the Botswana Government and Regulatory

Authority, while ensuring that our members and stakeholders remain our priority in communicating
changes.”
The new Retirement Funds Act, 2022 aims to align the Retirement Funds Act with international best
practice, address governance issues for funds and fund administrators, enhance the powers of the
Regulatory Authority and liberalise encashment by deferred members.
“These changes, comes at an opportune period when many members are currently facing challenges
due to the ongoing adverse economic conditions and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. We
remain devoted to promoting financial inclusion and educating our members and Batswana generally on
the importance of building retirement savings and we continually remain prepared to advise members
regarding the best options available to them for long-term financial security considering the current
levels of retirement savings invested by each individual, so as not to destabilise their income earning
potential.
As the leading retail Retirement Annuity Fund in the country, we prioritize the long-term financial
security of our members and their loved ones above all else. The amendments will indeed have a
significant impact on the financial services industry, however through consistent efforts made by our
team across all branches, we will continue members education initiative aimed at securing financially
secure for the members and Batswana generally,” concluded Hule.