Mmegi

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Decision time: The Finance Ministry recently met with the credit ratings agencies PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Decision time: The Finance Ministry recently met with the credit ratings agencies PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Authorities at the Finance ministry are awaiting the results of recent engagements with Moody's and S&P, whose credit ratings assessment will determine the government’s costs and with that, the trajectory of the recovery in public finances.

The two ratings agencies conduct assessments on the country’s sovereign debt in March and September each year. The assessments earlier this year resulted in S&P’s lowering the country’s sovereign credit ratings, whilst Moody's downgraded the country last year. Botswana, however, remains in the investment category, being an outlier in Africa.

BusinessWeek has established that top Finance ministry officials met with S&P researchers at least three weeks ago, while a meeting with Moody’s was scheduled for last week.

Editor's Comment
Diplomatic relations must be on equal footing

“Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to negotiate”– John F. KennedySupport for healthcare, education, skills and infrastructure can improve lives. The reaffirmed commitment to the Mmopane–Block 8 road is welcome for the prospect of better transport links for surrounding communities.China has shown willingness to assist Botswana, and government deserves credit for securing these commitments. However, the success of our...

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