Best Forex Brokers In Botswana 2025
Forex trading has gained popularity in Botswana, with investors looking to speculate on the Botswanan Pula (BWP), as well as currencies from neighbouring African countries and further afield.
Forex trading is overseen by the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) and Bank of Botswana (BOB), however traders in Botswana mostly rely on international brokers for their superior platforms, pricing, regulation and availability.
We’ve evaluated the best forex brokers in Botswana, all accepting local traders and offering convenient deposit options like PayPal, which has partnered with Botswana’s First National Bank (FNB).
6 Top Forex Brokers In Botswana
Our analysis of hundreds of online brokers shows that these are the top 6 forex platforms for traders in Botswana:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- XM - XM offers a strong selection of currency pairs with no re-quotes or hidden charges, while spreads have come down over the years, now starting from 0.8 pips on the EUR/USD in the commission-free account.
- Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
- IC Markets - IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade delivers 50+ currency pairs with tight spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. Trade majors, minrs, and exotics 24/5 on leading forex platforms, notably MT4, with sophisticated charting tools and forex education to sharpen your edge, including a dedicated guide to 'Currency Trading'.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
- Eightcap - Eightcap offers 50+ currency pairs in line with the industry average but trailing category leaders like CMC Markets with its 300+ currency pairs. However, Eightcap stands out with institutional-level spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like the EUR/USD, alongside low $3.50/side commissions. The broker also offers rich forex data to inform trading decisions, including key fundamentals, bullish/bearish indicators and a calendar that tracks key events in the foreign exchange market.
Best Forex Brokers In Botswana 2025 Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 55+ | 0.8 | / 5 | $5 | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Vantage | 55+ | 0.0 | / 5 | $50 | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
| IC Markets | 75 | 0.02 | / 5 | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| AvaTrade | 50+ | 0.9 | / 5 | $100 | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| Pepperstone | 100+ | 0.1 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| Eightcap | 50+ | 0.0 | / 5 | $100 | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB |
XM
"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
Cons
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
Vantage
"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."
Vantage Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- The broker has recently made efforts to expand its suite of CFDs providing further trading opportunities
- It’s quick and easy to open a live account – taking less than 5 minutes
- There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
- A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
- It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
IC Markets
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.23 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.02 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.27 |
| Total Assets | 75 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
Cons
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
- While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."
AvaTrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- AvaTrade continues to enhance its suite of products, recently through AvaFutures, providing an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins.
Cons
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
Pepperstone
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.4 |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3/lot (forex) through the Active Trader program.
Cons
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
Eightcap
"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."
Eightcap Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.1 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.1 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
- Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
Cons
- In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
- The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
How We Rate Forex Brokers In Botswana
There are several factors that we consider when rating forex trading platforms, and recommend you do too:
Trust
Select a trusted forex broker to protect your funds, a crucial step due to the rise in scams targeting Botswana traders. The NBFIRA has warned against foreign exchange firms ‘promising quick and high returns’.
Our advice is to choose a regulated and established broker – this is the best indication that a firm can be trusted. For most forex traders in Botswana, this will mean opening an account with a global brokerage, as the number of locally registered firms is limited. That said, your local tax rules in Botswana may still apply.
We frequently verify brokers’ regulatory credentials, years in the industry, and track record of treating customers fairly and paying out withdrawals.
- Vantage continues to earn the trust of our experts, with over 15 years in the forex industry and authorization from respected regulators, including South Africa’s FSCA and Australia’s ASIC.
Currency Pairs
Choose a broker offering the currency pairs you’re interested in. For traders in Botswana, this may be exotics like the USD/BWP and EUR/BWP or crosses like the BWP/ZAR and BWP/NGN for exposure to regional influences.
However, given their low trading volumes and the make-up of the foreign exchange market in Botswana, these pairs are not commonly available on trading platforms.
That’s why we look for forex trading platforms with a wide selection of currency pairs from many regions, typically 50+, ensuring traders still have the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio.
We also look for instruments tailored to short-term traders, such as forex contracts for difference (CFDs). These allow you to speculate on rising and falling prices with leverage, increasing position sizes and potential returns or losses.
- Pepperstone stands out with its huge range of over 90 currency pairs spanning majors, minors, crosses, exotics, and NDFs, including exposure to currencies in Africa.
Trading Fees
Choose a forex broker with low trading fees, something especially crucial for day traders who face significant costs from frequent transactions.
We regularly evaluate spreads on forex assets, including average spreads during peak trading hours where possible, for a more accurate cost assessment.
Additionally, we consider how these fees balance with the broker’s overall offering, including platform usability, market coverage, customer support, and other aspects impacting the forex trading experience.
- IC Markets offers some of the best forex pricing in the industry with spreads from 0.0 pips, no requotes and deep liquidity. There are also no inactivity penalties or deposit/withdrawal charges.
Forex Platforms
Choose a forex trading platform you enjoy using with the tools you need.
You generally have two options: Proprietary, often web-based and user-friendly for beginners or third-party, most commonly MetaTrader 4 (MT4), built for forex trading with excellent charting and algo trading support, despite its dated interface.
Given that platform preference is largely a personal decision, I recommend using a demo account to test the software before trading currencies with real money.
- AvaTrade outperforms most rivals here with in-house software we love, plus access to the dependable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, catering to all types of forex traders.
Account Minimums
Choose a broker with an affordable minimum deposit.
Our extensive database of online brokers shows that most top platforms accept new traders with an initial deposit of <$100 (~1,400 BWP), while some have no minimum deposit, ideal for beginners.
However, our many years in the forex industry have taught us the importance of balancing the initial investment against platform quality, trading tools, market coverage, and the overall trading environment, as paying more can provide better tools for advanced traders, in particular.
- Trade Nation is a standout option with no minimum deposit, PayPal support, and a great selection of base currencies.
Methodology
To identify the best forex brokers that accept traders from Botswana we leveraged our comprehensive database of 220 trading firms and prioritized several areas:
- We confirmed they accept forex traders from Botswana.
- We checked they offer currency pairs of interest to traders in Botswana.
- We selected brokers with low forex trading fees and no hidden charges.
- We favored brokers with excellent trading platforms and apps following our hands-on tests.
- We chose brokers with an accessible minimum deposit of <$100, alongside support for local payment methods.
FAQ
Is Forex Trading Legal In Botswana?
Yes, forex trading is legal in Botswana. Residents of Botswana can speculate on the value of currencies using an online broker.
Who Regulates Forex Trading In Botswana?
The Bank of Botswana (BoB) and the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) oversee forex trading in Botswana. The NBFIRA, in particular, is focused on regulating non-bank financial entities, such as brokerages.
However, traders in Botswana often open accounts with international forex trading platforms, many of whom have long track records of 10+ years in the industry, authorization from trusted regulators, and excellent reputations.
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Trading Forex In Botswana?
The amount of money you need to start trading forex in Botswana can vary widely depending on the broker you choose.
That said, we’ve analyzed 220 brokers and found most of the best forex platforms accepting traders from Botswana have a minimum deposit of <$100, around 1,400 Botswanan Pula.
Some forex firms also stand out for their zero deposit requirements, such as Pepperstone and OANDA, making them excellent options for beginners.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Bank of Botswana (BOB)
- Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA)
- Forex Scam Warning (NBFIRA)
- Botswana First National Bank (FNB)
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