Mmegi

A frank-talk ‘shootout’ at the BoB

Economic arsenal:  The Bank of Botswana is government’s primary economic advisor PIC: BANK OF BOTSWANA
Economic arsenal: The Bank of Botswana is government’s primary economic advisor PIC: BANK OF BOTSWANA

Former president Festus Mogae’s famous phrase ‘straight talk breaks no friendships’ was in play recently when top current and former Bank of Botswana executives, the Finance Ministry permanent secretary and bank CEOs, publicly shared frank views on the economy. MBONGENI MGUNI was in the audience

“I have a demand governor, and (BoB) board chair and a demand is a non-negotiable requirement. “From yourselves, what we need is unbiased and straightforward, objective financial and economic advice without any fear or favour. “We are going to have to implement those painful adjustments, painful decisions.”

Finance Ministry permanent secretary, Tshokologo Kganetsano, set the ball rolling last week at the Bank of Botswana Monetary Policy Statement launch. The annual event where the central bank traditionally unveils the direction it will lean towards in terms of interest rates for the year, is frequently dominated by discussions on trending economic challenges and solutions.

Editor's Comment
DIS must correct costly stalemate

More than P8.1 million has already been spent, yet there appears to be no lasting solution in sight. This is not simply a dispute between the DIS and a group of officers. It is a matter of public accountability. Every pula spent by government comes from taxpayers who expect public funds to be used wisely and responsibly, especially during economic hardships faced by many.The officers exercised their constitutional right to seek justice through...

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