This is in response to some recent articles in the local media which suggest that, among others, banks in Botswana are in financial difficulties and their customers face a “credit crunch”. The Bank of Botswana welcomes informed reporting of topical banking/financial issues and, in this spirit, has endeavoured to provide timely and informative responses to questionnaires received on the matter.
As you will be aware, I took advantage of the National Business Conference in Maun in November last year and addressed the issue of commercial bank liquidity in some detail. Given continued interest on the subject, we have considered that a further engagement with the media is advisable. I will share with you salient points on this important matter and respond to questions thereafter.