Data dampens Botswana’s economic outlook

Botswana’s economic trajectory is facing headwinds, potentially leading to slower growth than government forecasts, according to new data and expert analysis. Recent survey results and projections paint a concerning picture, with local economists suggesting that Botswana’s economy may underperform the Ministry of Finance’s initial estimates for the year. A survey by the Bank of Botswana (BoB) reveals that domestic firms anticipate a 1.9 percent expansion, while the research firm Econsult projects a zero percent growth...

Financial Stability Council

The Financial Stability Council (FSC/Council) met on 8 May 2025 to discuss the prevailing state and outlook of financial stability, including related risks emanating from the domestic and global environments as well as appropriate policy responses to avert the buildup of vulnerabilities. Members also deliberated on prospective developments affecting the financial sector and ongoing FSC work programme. These include harmonisation of corporate governance principles, and enhancement of resolution and crisis management frameworks for the financial...

Sky Bridge Logistics: Growth, Resilience, and Strategy

Fuel Transporter’s rise reflects Southern Africa’s growth and challenges In the heart of Gaborone’s industrial district, a fleet of fuel tankers emblazoned with the Sky Bridge Logistics (SBL) logo stands as a testament to Botswana’s burgeoning economy and the entrepreneurial spirit driving its growth. From humble beginnings in 2018 with a single tanker, Sky Bridge has blossomed into a key player in the region’s fuel transportation sector, a critical artery ensuring the flow of energy...

Mascom powers back into horse racing with P200,000 sponsorship of the Ma-Sa Easter Cup

Mascom Wireless is proud to announce its return to the world of horse racing with a P200,000 sponsorship of the Ma-Sa Easter Cup Horse Race. Mascom’s sponsorship is part of a broader collaboration with Sunbet Botswana, Together, the two companies are proud to serve as joint platinum sponsors of the Ma-Sa Easter Cup Horse Race—united in their commitment to uplifting sport and communities in Botswana. Scheduled to take place on Saturday 19 April 2025, at...

Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Outsmarting Banking Scammers This Easter

By Malebogo Hirschfeld – Forensics Services Manager, Bank Gaborone As the Easter holidays approach, many Batswana will be sending money home, transacting while on holiday, or shopping Easter celebrations. With more people using digital and mobile banking services, fraudsters see this as an opportunity to trick unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money. Bank Gaborone, we understand that banking is personal. Therefore, we are committed to helping you protect what matters most – your money...

Moody’s affirms Botswana’s Sovereign credit ratings but revises down the country’s outlook

Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) released an update of the sovereign credit rating for Botswana. The rating agency affirmed the Government of Botswana’s long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings at “A3” for 2025 but downgraded the outlook on the country from stable to negative. Botswana’s credit ratings, therefore, remain firmly investment grade. The negative outlook is on account of Moody’s expectation that weak global demand and depressed prices for diamonds will lead to a rapid...

Rising costs in food and beverages fuel inflation

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data revealed that Botswana’s annual inflation rate climbed to 2.7% in February 2025, marking a modest increase from January’s 2.5%. This uptick was primarily driven by escalating prices in food, beverages, and miscellaneous goods and services, which encompass insurance and financial services. Significantly, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, along with miscellaneous goods and services, were the foremost contributors to the annual inflation rate in February 2025, accounting for...

Choppies reports P4.7 billion in retail sales revenue

Choppies Group, the prominent grocery retailer, has experienced a notable boost in its financial performance for the half-year ending December 2024. The company reported retail sales revenue of P4.7 billion, alongside a gross profit of P965 million for the last six months of the year. Listed on both the Botswana and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges, this fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) retailer is engaged in various sectors, including milling, manufacturing, and financial transactions. Recent financial results reveal...

ABSA Sponsors Summer Kids Marathon with P1.9M

• To be held 26th April 2025 registration closes 31st March 2025 • P1 950 000 injected for the next three years. Absa Bank Botswana has pledged its support for the 4th edition of the Summer Kids Marathon (SKM) with a sponsorship of P1,950,000.00 over the next three years. Absa’s Retail Director, Valeta Mthimkhulu, underscored the importance of nurturing children’s talents from an early age. She emphasized that the bank’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship, as...

Voluntary surrender of the electronic payment service provider license

The Bank of Botswana (Bank) wishes to inform members of the public that, in accordance with Regulation 11 (1) of the Electronic Payment Services Regulations, 2019 (Regulations), Beni Fame (Pty) Limited has voluntarily surrendered its licence to operate an electronic payment service, issued by the Bank on 11 May 2020. However, Beni Fame operations as a licensed Bureau de Change remain unchanged. Accordingly, the public is advised not to transact electronic payment services with Beni...