Gov’t pursues P5bn in budget support loans
Friday, December 09, 2022 | 600 Views |
Watching the books: Serame sought Parliament’s fast-tracked approval of two loans this week PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
The African Development Bank (AfDB) separately says its board has approved a $179.7 million (P2.3 billion) loan to help Botswana “restore post-pandemic fiscal stability and economic recovery”.
While the AfDB loan is the second tranche of a facility that disbursed $137 million last year, the JICA and OPEC Fund facilities are new direct budget support for Botswana.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...