Mmegi

Budget slowdown focuses on the wrong numbers

Friday, January 23, 2026 | 250 Views |

Tricky numbers: Gaolathe has said he wants to see a greater focus on capital investments and cutbacks on the recurrent budget PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Budget outturn figures show that government has managed to restrain spending from P97.6 billion to P77.9 billion in 2025-26, with the adjustment falling most heavily on the development budget. While this headline reduction may suggest fiscal discipline, a closer look at the numbers reveals a worrying trend, writes TIMOTHY LEWANIKA

In line with progressive calls from different Bretton Woods institutions to slow spending and consolidate the fiscus, government has cut headline expenditure but the forgone opportunity appears to be investment in the country’s future.

The cuts suggest government continues to trim investment expenditure while protecting consumption, reinforcing a growth model that prioritises short-term stability over long-term wealth creation.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

ECONOMY

Mining contractor Meropa Resources (Pty) Ltd has issued a final legal notice to Minergy Coal, threatening to approach the courts for liquidation proceedings over an outstanding debt of more than P139 million.

Meropa issues final warning in P140m legal battle against Minergy

Larona Makhaiza | 12 h ago

Councillor denied bail over child rape charges

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | 13 h ago

Investor interest grows in BETP

Mbongeni Mguni | 13 h ago

Khoemacau eyes further 200,000t expansion

Mbongeni Mguni | 13 h ago

Court gives gov't ultimatum on DIS dispute

Mpho Mokwape | 1d ago

FMD threatens to snuff out BMC revival

Mbongeni Mguni,Lewanika Timothy | 1d ago

Gov't prioritises early disease detection to curb 'wastage'

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 1d ago

Lightning fatally strikes one, injures another in Tsolamosese

Pini Bothoko | 1d ago

Mabogo dinku a thebana

According to both the acting director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale and acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, the virus currently raging through the North-East mostly likely first entered the country during the festive season.From the “unprecedented” number of cases picked in testing last week, it is likely that cattle and other livestock could have been infected last year, without being reported.Animal health...

Mmegi Editor | 06 February 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More