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BoB expects economy to miss 4.2% growth projection

Influencing policy: Dekop says more impetus is needed to improve implementation in government PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
Influencing policy: Dekop says more impetus is needed to improve implementation in government PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

The Bank of Botswana says the economy is unlikely to grow by the 4.2% forecast by government earlier in the year, due largely to the underperformance of the mining sector in the first half of the year.

Growth narrowed to 2.7% last year from 5.5% in 2022, due largely to a downturn in diamond mining in the second half of 2023, as global uncertainties and market issues dampened the retail market.

During a briefing on Tuesday, the Bank’s director of research and financial stability, Innocent Molalapata, told BusinessWeek that the economy’s performance in the first half of the year was an indication that the 4.2% growth forecast would likely be missed.

Editor's Comment
A collective responsibility to end FMD spread

As cases continue to threaten herds and rural livelihoods, one simple but critical action can make a powerful difference: strictly adhering to FMD regulations, including refraining from slaughtering cloven-hoofed animals.Cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are highly susceptible to FMD. Slaughter, especially during outbreaks or restricted periods, significantly increases the risk of spreading the virus through...

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