Interest rate hike looms

Imported goods are expected to push inflation up
Imported goods are expected to push inflation up

The Bank of Botswana (BoB) is likely to hike interest rates by 50 basis points by the end of the year as inflation is seen rising in the coming months. Analysts believe the rise will be largely due to pressure from imported goods.

Citing a favourable outlook the BoB cut the benchmark bank rate by two percentage points last year to 7.5 percent as inflation, measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to a four-decade low.  

However, inflation quickened slightly to 4.5 percent year on year last month from 4.4 percent in March and analysts forecast the trend to continue for the remainder of the year although it will remain within the central bank’s 3-6 percent objective.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up