The UK-based research firm Business Monitor International (BMI) has warned that Botswana’s banking sector is facing escalating challenges that could hinder its performance this year. BMI highlighted that the sector may also struggle to support the recovery of Botswana’s economy amid a difficult operating environment. In its recent forecast, BMI indicated that while the banking industry is expected to remain broadly stable in 2026, buoyed by strong capital buffers and low levels of non-performing loans,...

The creation of new jobs in Botswana is expected to remain an uphill battle amid weak economic activity driven by depressed diamond markets and sluggish private sector profitability, according to recent data from the Bank of Botswana.

The Financial Stability Council (FSC) concluded its latest review this month, revealing that risks and vulnerabilities within Botswana’s financial system have intensified. This development poses a potential drag on the country’s financial services sector.

Botswana is poised to see a decline in investment from both households and businesses, driven by soaring credit costs linked to rising interest rates in the commercial banking sector.

New data from S&P Global Ratings reveals that Botswana’s Finance Ministry is expected to spend P6.3 billion on interest payments for government debt during the 2026/2027 fiscal year. This follows an increase in borrowing aimed at covering the country’s growing budget deficit. Botswana’s budget deficit is projected to hit P25.48 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, up sharply from the P11.8 billion deficit recorded in 2024/2025. The deficit is forecast to rise further to P26.35...

Botswana is set to enter the organic turmeric export market with its first shipment to Germany expected in the third quarter of 2026, following successful crop cultivation by local farmers last year. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed last week that 160 Botswana-based farmers have been contracted by a German firm to grow organic turmeric during the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 planting seasons for export to Germany.

New data from Botswana’s banking sector reveals a sharp rise in loan arrears among households and businesses, reflecting mounting economic pressures and financial strain that are slowing income growth and hampering debt repayment. Loan defaults climbed by P1.1 billion, from P6.9 billion in December 2025 to P8 billion in January 2026. In January, households accounted for P4.5 billion in overdue loans, while businesses reported P3.5 billion in arrears. Household loans overdue between 30 and 90...