GABS challenges impact gov't fiscus, SME's stability :: Mmegi Online

Development planners are struggling to strategise for the economy as continuing challenges with the Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) hinder an accurate picture of the fiscus in the midst of declining revenues. GABS, the national system for recording revenue collection, expenditure, and control spending, is crucial to government financial management.

However, persistent issues with the system mean that government lacks information on its spending and revenue, resulting in blind planning and budget implementation. The situation poses a serious risk to the economy.

Economist and former Deputy Governor at Bank of Botswana, Keith Jefferis, speaking at the Botswana Insurance Fund Management (BIFM) annual economic update meeting, said that the collapse of GABS has left government running the economy without actual knowledge of revenue levels and incurred costs, complicating economic management.

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