Data revision shaves P9bn off economy

The size of the economy of Botswana in 2011 has been found to be P9 billion smaller than previously estimated after Statistics Botswana uncovered inherent anomalies in datum collection and calculations, which led to substantial over-estimation of the mining and electricity sectors.

A data revision and rebasing exercise unveiled this week by Statistics Botswana revealed that the annual accrual of errors dates back to 1994.The revision has also seen the 2010 GDP figure slashed from P101 billion to P94 billion, while the 2009 figures are now 12 percent lower from 82 percent to 72 percent.