Botswana
People: October to December 2023
A round-up of central bankers in the news and on the move during the past three months
Botswana cancels cheques
Banks will cease processing cheques from 2024
Linah Mohohlo: 1952–2021
The first female governor of the Bank of Botswana served with “exceptional energy”, commanding fear and respect over a four-decade career at the central bank
Cash issuance in Botswana balloons 18% in 2019
Annual report shows banknote issuance growth for all denominations, despite rise in electronic payments
A better way to buy private sector securities?
Central bank asset purchases can do more harm than good and are often conducted on a flimsy legal basis, writes HKU’s Bryane Michael
Currency services: De La Rue
2018 was a busy year for the UK-based banknote provider as it secured new clients and transformed its focus towards technology
Andrew Motshidisi on Africa’s debt and what it means for reserve managers
The former deputy governor of Bank of Botswana and Nalm Africa chairman talks about international capital flows, and the need for countercyclical policies and robust legal frameworks to secure long-term stability
Bank of Botswana urges government to reduce reliance on diamonds
Central bank believes demand for commodity is likely to dwindle in the future despite global recovery
Botswanan governor announces formation of financial stability council
Governor Pelaelo says council, formed of central bank and government officials, will be responsible for regulating and supervising the financial sector
Botswana chooses polymer for latest banknote launch
African nation partners with UK printer De La Rue for new banknote launch, opting for polymer to prolong life
IMF issues advice on Botswana’s sovereign fund
Rules should govern withdrawals from government’s account, IMF says
Pelaelo to take over as Bank of Botswana governor
Deputy has risen through the ranks and will replace Linah Mohohlo on October 20; president announces his decision through social media
Mohohlo to step down after 40 years at Bank of Botswana
Bank of Botswana pays tribute to longest-serving governor, highlighting her achievements in reforming the institution; president will nominate successor
Inflation to fluctuate around bottom of target range, Botswanan report says
Mid-term review paints optimistic picture for inflation in Botswana; loose monetary conditions to contribute to growth in economic activity
Developing country central banks cannot rush into full independence, Botswana governor says
Botswana’s central bank governor tells an IMF seminar developing country central banks need to move carefully towards independence on price stability
Botswana research weighs impact of various instruments on credit
While interest rates may be more effective at influencing credit than reserve requirements, more ‘direct’ macro-prudential measures could be even better, Botswana article finds
Bank of Botswana laments productivity ‘constraint’
Central bank recommends range of policies to address low productivity in Botswana, including educational reform, financial inclusion and more efficient public service provision
Botswana's banking sector grew in 2013
Entry of two Indian banks took the number operating there to 13; greater use of technology plus more branches and ATMs improved access to finance
Bank of Botswana delivers first rate cut since 2010
Botswana’s central bank cuts interest rate by 50bp to 9% to stimulate growth and employment despite continuing rise in inflation
IMF and Sarb push for stronger systemic supervision in Africa
Joint effort to highlight importance of macro-prudential approach in addition to scrutiny of individual institutions; IMF pushing for tighter supervision
Bank of Botswana issues warning over counterfeit notes
Photocopies of 200 pula banknotes discovered; central bank urges public to report suspicious currency to the police