Mmegi

BoB pushes banks as forex reserves tighten

Taking action: Masalila PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Taking action: Masalila PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The Bank of Botswana (BoB) has made it more expensive for banks to access foreign currency from the central bank, pushing them to instead trade amongst themselves, as the prolonged downturn in diamonds weighs on the country’s reserves.

According to the last official figures, the country’s foreign reserves managed by the BoB declined to P56.1 billion in October 2024 from P64.9 billion in October 2023, due mainly to the decline in rough diamond sales.

The prolonged decline in diamond receipts, coupled with steady imports and the lack of other strong foreign currency earners, has meant a slide in the reserves over the months, triggering the BoB’s latest actions.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

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...

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