Economic Policy Analysis and Research

Financial system and banking sector development

It is widely recognised that banking and financial sectors play a crucial role, both in their own right and in terms of the supporting role they play in the development of other sectors of the economy. Banking, for instance, plays a crucial role in intermediating finance but also has to be properly regulated and supervised. Similarly with non-bank financial institutions (pensions, insurance, stock markets etc.), which play a major role in mobilising savings and managing risk. Financial sector development policies aim to ensure that banks and non-banks develop in an efficient manner, and support broader economic development. Econsult has worked extensively on financial sector development issues in Botswana and elsewhere in SADC; selected projects include Enhancing Access to Finance in Botswana, Developing Financial Services and Improving the Efficiency of the Banking Sector in Angola, and Developing Bond Markets in SADC and COMESA.

Regional integration

Southern African has numerous regional initiatives, including the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These initiatives provide an important component of the economic policy framework, whether related to trade policy or other forms of regional integration. Econsult has worked extensively on these issues, including work on Monetary Integration and Macroeconomic Convergence in SADC, and on Monetary Co-operation and Integration in the Caribbean.

Industrial policy, Private Sector and SMME development

Econsult remains at the forefront of private sector development issues, having worked with BOCCIM in organizing the National Business Conferences in 2008 and 2010, where most of the resolutions become action points for the Government of Botswana. Econsult staff have also worked on updating the Botswana Industrial Development Policy 2011, formulation of SMME policy, and regulatory reform to improve the environment for private sector investment.

Poverty analysis and poverty alleviation policies

Despite Botswana’s fast growing economy and 2nd highest GDP/capita income in the region, Botswana is faced with a high level of poverty. Econsult staff have worked on a number of poverty-related projects and analysis of data.

Economic impact assessments

There is a growing need for economic impact studies, especially by government and mining companies. Economic impact is usually measured in terms of changes in economic growth and the associated changes in employment and wages. Econsult has undertaken studies related to HIV/AIDS, Outsourcing, Stock markets, the Global Economic Crisis of 2008-9, Government expenditure just to mention a few.

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