Malawi vs Botswana
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇲🇼 Malawi — District & City Councils
Malawi's 28 district councils and city/town assemblies levy property rates, trading licences, and local service charges. The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) administers national taxes. Malawi is landlocked and one of the world's poorest countries — highly dependent on tobacco exports (declining due to health campaigns), tea, and sugar, plus significant international aid. An IMF Extended Credit Facility has been supporting fiscal consolidation. The kwacha has experienced significant depreciation, complicating tax bracket real values over time.
🇧🇼 Botswana — Local Government Taxes
Botswana's 16 districts and 6 town/city councils levy minimal independent taxes — transfer duty on property, business licences, and property rates in urban areas. The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) administers all major national taxes. Botswana has one of Africa's most stable and transparent tax systems, boosted by diamond revenue. The country aspires to diversify away from diamond dependency. Transfer duty on property is 5% above BWP 1 million. A Capital Transfer Tax applies to donations and inheritances at 12.5%.
Malawi vs Botswana: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇲🇼 Malawi has a higher top income tax rate (0–35% vs 0–25%). 🇧🇼 Botswana is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Malawi has a higher consumption tax (16.5% vs 14%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇧🇼 Botswana offers a lower corporate rate (22% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇧🇼 Botswana taxes investment gains at a lower rate (25% vs 30%), benefiting investors.