Swiping values continue weak
Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 290 Views |
Easy pay: The value of swiping continues to trend downwards PIC FIJI SUN
Bank of Botswana data indicates that the value of swiping transactions between January and March this year was about 29% down from the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the figures for the fourth quarter of any year are traditionally affected by seasonally higher retail spending.
The latest numbers indicate a continuing soft trend in consumer spending, after total Electronic Fund Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) values dropped to P85.4 billion in 2025, from P120.6 billion in 2024. Last year was the first time the key numbers have declined from one year to the next, according to Bank of Botswana data.
That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...