BoB hikes rate, orders banks to hold lending rates
Tuesday, May 05, 2026 | 0 Views |
Bank of Botswana
Announcing the decision this week, the central bank said the adjustment was necessary in light of mounting inflationary pressures linked to global and domestic developments, particularly the recent surge in fuel prices.
Inflation stood at 4.2 percent in March, and is now projected to accelerate sharply, breaking through BOB's three percent to six percent objective range in the second quarter. BoB estimates inflation will average 8.7 percent in 2026, driven largely by increases in fuel costs, public transport fares, and medical aid premiums.
Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...