Mmegi

Banks face ‘unprecedented’ liquidity crunch

Engines of the economy: Small businesses are at the centre of economic activity in the country, but the liquidity crunch means their funding may be limited PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Engines of the economy: Small businesses are at the centre of economic activity in the country, but the liquidity crunch means their funding may be limited PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The local banking sector is facing an 'unprecedented' liquidity crisis that threatens to hamper the lending activities required for the private sector’s growth, BusinessWeek has established.

The Bank of Botswana (BoB) released about P1.8 billion to banks in December, as liquidity dried up in the market because of a slowdown in government spending related to the prolonged diamond slump.

The situation has not abated this year and could intensify as government digs deeper into the capital market for debt to finance the P22.1 billion deficit expected in the 2025–2026 financial year.

Editor's Comment
Warm relations must not come at the expense of fair trade

“I believe that free but fair trade isan absolute imperative”– John E. JamesFor two countries bound by geography, history and deep economic ties, periods of diplomatic strain serve neither side well. President Duma Boko’s efforts to restore momentum to relations with Pretoria deserve recognition, particularly at a time when Southern Africa faces shared challenges ranging from sluggish economic growth and unemployment to energy security...

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