BoB leans towards looser rate stance
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 330 Views |
New broom: Dekop says the bank will continue its accommodative monetary policy stance this year PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
The central bank has generally maintained an accommodative monetary policy stance for years, only breaking the trend in 2022 when 14-year high inflation forced interest rate hikes of 151 basis points.
The looser monetary policy stance is aimed at encouraging more private sector spending through lower interest rates, which in turn perks up economic activity such as job creation.
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...