Bank profits rise to P1.7bn
Thursday, November 03, 2022 | 1370 Views |
Supervising: The Bank of Botswana’s oversight includes banks and their stability
Bank of Botswana figures released recently indicate that the difference between the two periods was higher net interest income and significantly lower provisions for bad or doubtful debts.
Commercial banks’ net interest income in the first eight months of this year reached P3.2 billion compared to P2.9 billion over the same period last year, while the provisions for bad debts were measured at P87 million this year, compared to P279.3 million last year.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...