Choppies Botswana officially launched its 4,000 Pula Living Wage program, benefiting 4,100 employees who have been with the company for 12 months or more. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to improving employee welfare and addressing previous concerns regarding low wages and working conditions.

In November 2024, Choppies employees protested against poor working conditions and low wages, with some earning as little as P600 per month. The introduction of the 4,000 Pula Living Wage program represents a significant step toward addressing these issues and enhancing the livelihoods of Choppies’ workforce.

Choopies Botswana workers 2018 wanted to protest

Choppies is one of Botswana’s largest employers, with 85 stores and 3 distribution centers nationwide. The company has faced criticism in the past for wage disparities between its operations in Botswana and other countries. For instance, in South Africa, the lowest-paid Choppies employee earns approximately P2,500, while in Kenya, new employees earn a minimum of over P3,000.

During the launch, President Duma Boko emphasised the need for reforms in Botswana’s business laws, noting that many current regulations are unfriendly to businesses.

He called for changes that would ease the process of doing business in Botswana and attract more investment.

Boko also urged other industry leaders to invest in corporate social responsibility initiatives that can improve the lives of their employees.

“When you put money into the pockets of those at the margins, they will spend it in this economy. It will boost the economy and grow our GDP. There’s absolutely no doubt about it,” he stated.