Covid stain remains on economy despite rebound
Friday, July 15, 2022 | 150 Views |
Desperate days: The COVID-19 restrictions resulted in record economic contraction in 2020 PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by seven percent year-on-year in the first quarter of the year, compared to one percent over the same period last year, according to data released recently by Statistics Botswana.
The growth came after a strong rebound of 11.4% in the economy in 2021.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...