GIA plummets as deficit now seen at P29bn

Friday, May 09, 2025 | 900 Views |

Dicey times: The Finance Ministry is scrambling to keep government finances ticking over

Government has drawn down its savings housed in the Government Investment Account (GIA) to a meagre P250 million, as widening deficits force it to dig deep into its pockets to finance budgetary shortfalls — a crisis which has driven capital markets into a crunch.

With diamonds, the mainstay sector of Botswana’s economy, remaining protracted with no clear recovery in sight, government faces dwindling revenues that is burning up savings held by the Bank of Botswana (BoB) known as the GIA.

Government has been forced to draw down heavily on the GIA to meet its budgetary requirements, whilst also failing to replenish the account due to low mineral sales.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

BPF's Porati joins the fray. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

BPF enters Sefhophe by-election race

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

Chebani dumps BCP for BNF

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

BTTA puts elite 24 under pressure in Super League

Kabelo Boranabi | 2d ago

Botswana’s Netball World Cup dream up in flames

Calistus Kolantsho | 2d ago

Ramoreboli urges local players to be ambitious

Mqondisi Dube | 2d ago

Kgatleng Region challenges BFA over arbitration case

Kabelo Boranabi | 2d ago

Mojadigo plans to file no case to answer

Larona Makhaiza | 24 Sep 2026

Selefu

joey kambai | 24 Sep 2026

FMD crisis: We must fight as one

That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...

The Monitor Editor | 22 September 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.