Financial services sector in massive growth
Friday, June 06, 2008
According to a Bank of Botswana (BoB) financial statistics report, commercial banks' deposits which were sitting at a mere P5 billion 10 years ago, grew by 20 percent between February 2007 and February 2008, from P25.5 billion to P30.6 billion.
The deposits, which include current, call and savings accounts, also factor in fixed return investment paper ranging from the 31-day paper to 12 months instruments.
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...