Advertisement
Mmegi

Foreign reserves’ drop threatens pula value

In need of support: The pula’s value is backed or “defended” by the foreign reserves
In need of support: The pula’s value is backed or “defended” by the foreign reserves

The drop in foreign exchange reserves, which fell P18.4 billion between March 2024 and March 2025, has triggered concerns about the value of the pula and the possibility of sudden shocks to the national currency, BusinessWeek has learnt.

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.

In January, the Bank of Botswana (BoB) increased the trading margin used for foreign exchange transactions to banks, from 0.125 percent to 0.5 percent, as a way of pushing the banks to trade amongst each other and with firms that are holding foreign currency.

Advertisement
Editor's Comment
Are we doing enough?

Women and children continue to suffer at the hands of men who, in their heads, seem to view them as objects they can abuse to satisfy their sick, disgusting tendencies. Hardly a day goes by without reports of a woman, an elderly woman, or a child being raped! Where are we going as Batswana? Rapists have instilled fear into people’s lives; there is no haven for anyone anymore as people live in fear not only walking the streets, but also inside...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up