Botswana at little risk of debt distress - IMF

In a report published recently following consultations between government officials and the Fund's staff, the IMF says external debt for Botswana is expected to reach nearly 50 percent of the GDP by 2012, to finance construction of two power stations, but should stay below 60 percent of GDP in stress test scenarios.

"Public debt would rise to 25 percent of GDP in 2010, before falling to 15 percent by 2014," the report says. "If growth and the primary balance were to return to recent levels, however, Botswana would be able to repay its public debt by 2012."