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Tuesday, 27 October 2026
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Tuesday, 27 October 2026
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Botswanan press · Organization

International Monetary Fund

Also known as: IMF · IMF team

International Monetary Fund — multilateral organization that conducts economic assessments; recently studied Botswana's VAT compliance gap and ranked its debt surge fastest-growing globally.

2026-04-232026-10-27

News reports

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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Weekend Post

    … The survey echoes long-standing warnings from institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund that Botswana’s growth model remains highly vulnerable to commodity cycles and delayed structural transformation. …

    Botswana’s business outlook turns deeply pessimistic again
  3. Weekend Post

    … This is exacerbated by the broader economic environment in Botswana, which saw a slight contraction projected by the International Monetary Fund in 2025. …

    BDC seeks utilitarian to reverse losses
  4. May 2026
  5. Daily News Botswana

    … He remains optimistic about a domestic economic recovery, buoyed by the International Monetary Fund’s projections of stabilising global growth. …

    Olekile finds beauty in old furniture
  6. Weekend Post

    … 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
  7. Weekend Post

    … It cites warnings from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, African Development Bank, Transparency International, parliamentary committees, the Auditor General, Public Procurement and Regulatory Authority reports, NG …

    BCP rejects forensic audit process
  8. Daily News Botswana

    … 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
  9. Weekend Post

    … Before these inflationary pressures and their impact on Botswana’s economy, the International Monetary Fund had forecasted 4.7 percent growth for 2026. …

    Slower economic growth projected as inflation rises
  10. Weekend Post

    … Major economic institutions forecast a slowdown in growth, with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank projecting global GDP growth to hover around 2.7 to 3.1 percent in 2026, well below pre-pandemic averages. …

    Global Economic Confidence Crashes Amid Crisis and Cost Surge
  11. Weekend Post

    … Meanwhile, analysis from the International Monetary Fund warns that in many developing economies, tax treaties may cause significant revenue losses, especially when reduced withholding taxes enable multinational companies to shift profits across borders. …

    Botswana–Rwanda Tax Pact Sparks Investment Optimism
  12. Weekend Post

    … The agency also acknowledged diagnostic support from the International Monetary Fund to guide aspects of the restructuring process. …

    BURS Exceeds Revenue Target, Refutes Claims of Wage Linkage
Business

Botswana's foreign reserves surge to P63.21 billion

The News

Botswana's total foreign assets reached P63.21 billion as at July 31, 2026, a 32 percent increase from P47.81 billion a year earlier, marking a reversal of the decade-long erosion of reserves driven by pandemic impacts, soft gem markets, and budget deficits. The Pula Fund, the long-term sovereign wealth portfolio, represents the largest holding at P30.88 billion.

19 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 19 October

  1. Botswana's foreign reserves surge to P63.21 billion

    Botswana's total foreign assets reached P63.21 billion as at July 31, 2026, a 32 percent increase from P47.81 billion a year earlier, marking a reversal of the decade-long erosion of reserves driven by pandemic impacts, soft gem markets, and budget deficits. The Pula Fund, the long-term sovereign wealth portfolio, represents the largest holding at P30.88 billion.

    19 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Botswana's diamond recovery raises diversification urgency

    After a severe slump, Botswana's diamond industry has recovered—the economy expanded 3.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and rough-diamond output surged in the second. Acting president and finance minister Ndaba Gaolathe has urged the country to use this reprieve to diversify away from dependence on diamonds, steering capital toward farms, factories, and tourism rather than relying on another diamond-market recovery.

    8 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 28 September

  1. Botswana's diamond recovery stirs but masks deeper questions

    Botswana's diamond industry has rebounded after a slump, with the economy expanding 3.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and rough-diamond output surging in the second. However, acting president and finance minister Ndaba Gaolathe warned against treating the recovery as a transformation, calling for investment in farms, factories, and tourism rather than reliance on diamond market fluctuations.

    28 September 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Dr Adesina leads Diamonds for Development fund to diversify economy

    With Botswana's diamond-dependent economy contracting 3 percent in 2024 as prices softened, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former African Development Bank president, now heads the Diamonds for Development Fund to marshal capital for diversification, exports, and jobs—pledging the fund will not finance "Mickey Mouse projects."

    28 September 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 31 August

  1. Bank of Botswana warns of persistent inflation amid weak growth

    Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki has warned that businesses and households should prepare for ongoing inflationary pressures from rising fuel and electricity costs, livestock movement restrictions, and global geopolitical tensions. The Monetary Policy Committee has kept the policy rate steady at 5.5 percent while headline inflation remains above the central bank's medium-term target range and economic expansion has been modest.

    31 August 2026 · Weekend Post →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Botswana maintains low debt despite recent public borrowing increase

    Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe rejected concerns about a debt crisis, stating that Botswana is not in debt distress and maintains one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in Sub-Saharan Africa at about 29 percent of GDP in the 2025/26 fiscal year, a position more favorable than many regional neighbors.

    18 August 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 10 August

  1. IMF finds growing VAT compliance gap costing millions

    An IMF team that visited between October 27 and November 7 found that the country's VAT gap—the difference between optimal and actual revenue collection—trended upward from 2017 to 2024, with key revenues running into millions of pula going uncollected due to non-compliance.

    10 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Monday 29 June

  1. CEO Roundtable in Gaborone to discuss economic diversification

    The CEO Africa Roundtable will convene in Gaborone on 6 July 2026 under the theme "Towards a $40 Billion Economy by 2036," addressing Botswana's economic challenges including contracting foreign exchange reserves (from approximately $7.5 billion in 2017 to an estimated $3.2 billion by end-2024) and consecutive economic contractions in 2024 and 2025.

    29 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Global wealth shifts toward multipolar economic hubs

    The global economic order is shifting from U.S.–China dominance toward a multipolar system where five economic hubs—the United States, China, India, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia—are commanding growing attention from family offices managing over $6 trillion in private wealth.

    24 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Botswana ranks fastest-growing debt surge globally: IMF

    According to new International Monetary Fund data released Monday, Botswana has been ranked as the country with the fastest-growing debt surge in the world, placing scrutiny on public finances and raising questions about implications for households.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. ODC expands diamond operations to India amid transparency questions

    Botswana's state-owned Okavango Diamond Company has extended operations into India, holding rough diamond viewing sessions in Mumbai at the Bharat Diamond Bourse Complex. The move has raised questions about the company's presence in the Indian diamond hub and why operational details remain undisclosed.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Botswana's business outlook remains pessimistic for 2026

    The Bank of Botswana's Business Expectations Survey shows firms broadly pessimistic about trading conditions, with economic output expected to grow only 1.7 percent in 2026, a rebound from 0.7 percent contraction in 2025. Weak government spending, exchange rate pressures, and rising input costs constrain confidence, though inflation expectations remain anchored within the central bank's 3 to 6 percent target range.

    2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. BDC posts P167 million loss, seeks turnaround plan

    The Botswana Development Corporation reported a P167 million loss for the fiscal year ending June 2025, with 47 percent of its loan book classified as non-performing. The corporation faces a structural cash shortfall of approximately P400 million annually, as debt servicing obligations of P450 million far exceed its annual cash flow of P55 million, prompting a 12-month turnaround strategy.

    2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 25 May

  1. Serowe furniture restorer rescues worn pieces from waste

    Akanyang Olekile operates Akanyang Upholstery, a furniture restoration business at Serowe's central marketplace that reupholsters worn-out sofas, chairs, and car seats rather than discarding them, aiming to reduce waste and offer customers sustainable value.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. 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 →

  2. BCP criticizes forensic audit as structurally flawed and inadequate

    The Botswana Congress Party has dismissed the government's forensic audit as structurally flawed and theatrically political, arguing it reveals little that is new and provides no credible roadmap for institutional reform. If the report remains secret, the BCP plans to revive its proposal for a fully independent Presidential Commission of Inquiry when Parliament reconvenes in July.

    20 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 18 May

  1. 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 →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. 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 →

  2. Global economic confidence crashes amid geopolitical tensions

    Global finance professionals' confidence has plunged to pandemic-era lows due to Middle East conflict and soaring commodity prices, with the Strait of Hormuz closure reducing maritime traffic by 95 percent and energy prices projected to surge 24 percent. Africa's GDP growth is forecast to lose 0.2 percentage points in 2026 as soaring fuel and fertilizer costs threaten agricultural output.

    12 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Botswana, Rwanda sign tax agreement to boost investment

    Botswana and Rwanda have signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement to eliminate double taxation on income earned in both countries and deepen economic ties. Officials say the pact will attract foreign direct investment and ease cross-border business expansion, though concerns remain about potential revenue losses and tax avoidance risks.

    12 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. BURS exceeds revenue target, denies wage-linkage claims

    The Botswana Unified Revenue Service exceeded its revenue target of P59.824 billion by roughly P507 million, collecting approximately P60.124 billion, while dismissing claims that its financial performance directly influences wage negotiations. The agency attributed the achievement to strengthened compliance measures, improved enforcement, and enhanced data analytics, and said wage outcomes are determined through structured negotiation processes rather than being tied to revenue results.

    5 May 2026 · Weekend Post →

Thursday 23 April

  1. IMF projects fragile economic recovery for Botswana in 2026

    Botswana's economy is expected to rebound in 2026, though the recovery may be short-lived as global shocks affect momentum across Southern Africa.

    23 April 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

International Monetary Fund — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute