… The Bank of Botswana says weak global demand for diamonds, shifting consumer preferences and slow progress in economic diversification continue to weigh heavily on growth, exposing the country’s enduring dependence on its most important export. …
Diamond slump still choking Botswana economyBotswana Minute.
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Gaborone—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Botswanan press · Organization
Bank of Botswana
Also known as: BoB · MPC
Bank of Botswana — central bank that sets monetary policy, manages inflation forecasts, and tracks property prices and commercial bank performance in Botswana.
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- May 2026
… Matsheka pointed to Mogae’s extensive experience as a key factor in his governance style; his tenure included roles at the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of Botswana, and the Ministry of Finance. …
Magang, Nasha, Matsheka speak on Mogae virtues… Data cited in the Bank of Botswana’s April 2026 Monetary Policy Report shows the average price of residential properties sold fell 9.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to P888,055 in the third quarter of 2025, driven by declines in Greater Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe. …
Property market cools as economic pressures weigh on buyers… His career spanned the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning as the first cohort of Economics graduates from abroad; thereafter, a Directorship role at the International Monetary Fund, followed by appointment as the first local Governor of the Bank of Botswana, replacing a …
Festonomics - How Festus Mogaes Economics Policy Shaped Botswanas Development Legacy… From a young Motswana sent abroad for world-class education in the final years before independence, he rose steadily: planner in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Permanent Secretary, IMF stint in Washington DC, Governor of the Bank of Botswana, Permanent Secretar …
The Cautious Economist… The Bank of Botswana’s Monetary Policy Committee forecasts inflation to rise from an average of 4.1 percent in the first quarter to 9.0 percent in the second quarter. …
Slower economic growth projected as inflation rises… Reflecting these pressures, the Bank of Botswana’s Monetary Policy Committee recently raised the Monetary Policy Rate by 200 basis points, from 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent. …
World Bank Forecasts Steep Rise in Energy and Commodity Prices… He speaking during a courtesy call by the Bank of Botswana Governor, Mr Lesego Moseki, noting that people who voted for change wanted to see action in terms of law reform, policy reform, representation and economic transformation, among others. …
Public expectations for Parliament highThe Bank of Botswana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) jolted the financial world on 30 April 2026, with a bold move: a sharp 200 basis points hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR), driving it from 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent. …
Bank of Botswana hikes MPC 200 basis pointsSunday Standard Banks widen lending margins, undercut BoB policy stance Commercial banks are moving out of step with the Bank of Botswana, raising borrowing costs in ways that dilute the central bank’s recent policy signals. …
Banks widen lending margins, undercut BoB policy stance
Mining & Energy
Diamond slump continues to hamper Botswana's economic growth
The News
The Bank of Botswana attributes the country's weak economic growth to weak global demand for diamonds, shifting consumer preferences, and slow progress in economic diversification, underscoring Botswana's dependence on diamond exports.
Why it matters
Botswana's economic growth remains weak due to diamond market slump and slow diversification—a direct impact on household prosperity and government revenues.
4 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Today
Diamond slump continues to hamper Botswana's economic growth
The Bank of Botswana attributes the country's weak economic growth to weak global demand for diamonds, shifting consumer preferences, and slow progress in economic diversification, underscoring Botswana's dependence on diamond exports.
4 hours ago · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Yesterday
Memorial service reflects on Mogae's governance legacy
At a University of Botswana memorial service for former president Festus Mogae, speakers including David Magang and Dr. Nasha praised his 1998–2008 tenure for integrity, discipline, and sound public finances, contrasting his governance with perceived declines in standards since his departure.
20 May 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana property prices fall as economic pressures mount
Botswana's residential property market lost momentum in 2025, with average residential property prices falling 9.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to P888,055 in the third quarter of 2025, according to Bank of Botswana data. The decline, driven by falls in Greater Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe, reflects a growing divide between resilient affordable housing demand and weaker demand for higher-end homes.
20 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Monday 18 May
Festus Mogae's economic policies shaped Botswana's development
An article chronicles the late former president Festus Mogae's most prominent economic policy decisions throughout his career, from his studies in Development Economics at Oxford and Sussex universities through roles at the Ministry of Finance, the International Monetary Fund, and the Bank of Botswana, to his eventual presidency.
18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Wednesday 13 May
Former President Mogae practised cautious, measured business approach
Charles Tibone, a longtime business associate of the late former president Festus Mogae, recounted that Mogae was a conservative economist who carefully assessed risk, picked ventures deliberately in listed businesses subject to governance scrutiny, and advised young entrepreneurs to prioritise steady, sustainable outcomes over high-risk ventures.
13 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Tuesday 12 May
Botswana's inflation projected to spike to 8.7 percent in 2026
Botswana's economic growth is expected to slow in 2026 as inflation climbs from 3.9 percent in late 2025 to a forecast average of 8.7 percent for the year, driven by fuel price hikes, transport fare increases, and rising medical aid premiums. The Bank of Botswana projects inflation will peak at 11.1 percent in the third quarter, threatening household incomes and consumer-dependent sectors including wholesale, retail, and financial services.
12 May 2026 · Weekend Post →
Bank arrears average P6.6bn in February as profits fall
Commercial bank arrears steadied to P6.6 billion in February after spiking earlier, with the majority of loans now over 180 days old; collective after-tax profits for January and February fell 24% year-on-year to P517.3 million.
12 May 2026 · Mmegi →
World Bank warns Middle East conflict driving commodity price surge
The World Bank Group warns that the Middle East conflict is causing the largest oil supply loss on record, with global commodity prices forecast to rise 16 percent in 2026 and energy prices expected to surge 24 percent, fueling inflation and slowing growth in import-dependent economies like Botswana.
12 May 2026 · Weekend Post →
Monday 11 May
Parliament must deliver voter-demanded change, speaker says
National Assembly Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse said public expectations are high for Parliament and government institutions to deliver on voters' demands for law reform, policy reform, representation and economic transformation. He noted that Parliament has adopted a National Development Plan and economic transformation plan, and called for democratic institutions to become more independent, well-resourced and empowered.
11 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Tuesday 5 May
Bank of Botswana raises policy rate to 5.5 percent
The Monetary Policy Committee increased the Monetary Policy Rate by 200 basis points from 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent on 30 April 2026.
5 May 2026 · Weekend Post →
Monday 4 May
Banks widen lending margins against BoB guidance
Commercial banks are raising effective lending rates by widening margins above Prime Lending Rates, moves the Bank of Botswana's Monetary Policy Committee says dilute its recent policy signals aimed at stabilizing credit market conditions.
4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Tuesday 28 April
Inflation forecast to exceed 6% by June 2026
Inflation averaged 4.1 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.7 percent in Q1 2025, driven by rising transport, food, and miscellaneous goods costs, with transport contributing 1.6 percentage points to the annual rate.
28 April 2026 · Weekend Post →