Mmegi

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.

Gov't moves to close tax gaps

Staff Writer | 1d ago

Chief judge promises fairness at tomorrow's Miss Botswana finale

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

High pressure mounts on fuel prices

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

We respect AFCON final decision – Babitseng

Mqondisi Dube | 1d ago

Court blow rocks BPF leadership

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

BPF moves to rebuild unity-Lucas

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

‘Reatile, Ookeditse deal was gentleman’s agreement’

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

Branch fires early warning shot as Portugal fuels title push

Kabelo Boranabi | 1d ago

A promising step for public schools, but...

For too long, the state of many public schools has been a source of shame. We have all seen the pictures and heard the stories of broken windows, unreliable water and electricity, topped by classrooms that are not fit for proper learning. The establishment of the Education Infrastructure and Management Company Ltd (EIMC) signals that authorities are finally ready to take this problem seriously. We must commend the government for this initiative....

The Monitor Editor | 17 March 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.

Explore

More

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.

Gov't moves to close tax gaps

Chief judge promises fairness at tomorrow's Miss Botswana finale

High pressure mounts on fuel prices

We respect AFCON final decision – Babitseng

Court blow rocks BPF leadership

BPF moves to rebuild unity-Lucas

‘Reatile, Ookeditse deal was gentleman’s agreement’

Branch fires early warning shot as Portugal fuels title push

A promising step for public schools, but...