Yields fall as gov't raises P1.4bn debt

Finger on the pulse: The BoB is both government's banker and also its principal economic advisor
Finger on the pulse: The BoB is both government's banker and also its principal economic advisor

The Bank of Botswana (BoB) met its target of raising P1.4 billion in debt for government from the capital market at the most recent auction of notes, with yields falling amidst oversubscription by bidders.

The auction held on November 24 is the fourth in a row where the central bank has been able to raise the target amount of debt it has been seeking for government. The latest trend is a sharp turnaround from the prolonged period of under-allotment that greeted government’s decision to double its domestic debt programme to P30 billion in September 2020.

Figures from the latest auction show that government’s borrowing costs eased, as reflected by the stop-out yields published by the central bank. Data compiled by Kgori Capital indicates that yields tumbled across the two treasury bills and three bonds offered at the auction, by as much as 65 basis points. BoB figures show a trend of oversubscription for the notes on offer, with bids for the three-month treasury bill valued at P1.1 billion against the P300 million on offer.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

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...

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