18 Jul 2025

Botswana consumers, including Mr Ofentse Mpata (in picture) are likely to notice rising prices in some retail outlets as businesses respond to changes due devaluing of the pula. Botswana currency has been devalued to adjust the Pula exchange rate to protect the economy and support exports. Finance ministry acting secretary for macro-economic and financial policy, Dr Sayed Timuno announced last week that government had allowed the pula to depreciate by 2.76 per cent over the next year as the economy was under pressure because of a prolonged downturn in the global diamond market. This, he said was aimed at making Botswana’s exports cheaper and more competitive abroad. Meanwhile, the Competition and Consumer Authority Botswana officials has, in a press statement, cautioned businesses against unjustified price increases, warning that they would impose penalties for anti-competitive conduct and unfair business practices. Photo: Phenyo Ramatu