Rolling P24bn budget deficits until 2020

Jeffers.PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG
Jeffers.PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG

Botswana will incur rolling budget deficits amounting to P24.7 billion for the next three financial years to boost growth through fiscal stimulus but economists are sceptical about the sustanability of a mineral- led economy spending its way out of an economic downturn.

Largely due to a P4 billion rise in development expenditure, government’s spending is expected to outweigh revenues in the 2017-2018 financial year by P6.8 billion or -4.1% of the GDP.

Deficits of similar magnitudes are seen until 2019 before the budget shortfall declines to -2.2% in 2020.

Editor's Comment
Cameras watching: Drive safely or pay the price

A network of high-tech cameras is now live, and they will be watching motorists every move behind the wheel. For the safety of everyone on the roads, drivers must take this wake-up call seriously or be prepared to face the consequences. These are not just speed traps. The new detecting devices are sophisticated. They will catch you running a red light, speeding, or driving an unregistered vehicle. They will spot the driver who is not wearing a...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up