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Budget on track for surprise diamond-backed surplus

Balancing act: Serame’s books could be headed for a surplus at the end of March PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Balancing act: Serame’s books could be headed for a surplus at the end of March PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Stronger than expected mineral exports, particularly diamonds, helped the budget post a P598.7 million surplus for the first half of the 2022-23 fiscal year, an achievement that has raised hopes of a positive outturn for the full year.

The last time the budget recorded a first half surplus was in 2014-15 with P859 million, according to BoB records available online.

Finance Ministry technocrats have not yet revised their expectations of a P7.7 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, although Minister Peggy Serame is expected to give an update on the numbers when she delivers the budget next month.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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