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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.

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GIA plummets as deficit now seen at P29bn

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.

'Face to face with the man who tried to kill me'

Couple perishes in suspected 'passion killing' crash

Dimajwe duo arrested after missing assault victim found buried

Dikoloti escapes injury after car hits cow

Five-year-old boy hospitalised after road accident in Mogoditshane

UDC rolls out 'promised' child grant

BPF to hold first youth, women congresses

Of borrowed wheels and brand new GD6

Two-tier education system demands action