Botswana's central bank maintained its benchmark Bank Rate at 5.50 percent and forecast low and stable inflation in the medium term, consistent with the 3-6 percent target range, that augurs well for accommodative monetary policy that can support lending to businesses and households.

Botswana's central bank maintained its benchmark Bank Rate at 5.50 percent as "subdued domestic demand pressures and benign foreign price developments contribute to the positive inflation outlook in the medium term."

On Oct. 28, 2016, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'A-/A-2' long- and  short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on the Republic of Botswana. The outlook remains negative.

Botswana's central bank left its Bank Rate steady at 5.5 percent as "the prevailing monetary policy stance is consistent with maintaining inflation within the Bank's medium-term objective range of 3 - 6 percent."