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
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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