Economic contraction ‘lands softly’ in 2025

The economy averted a major slowdown due to 8.2% growth in the third quarter, driven by diamond production ramping up in anticipation of mining maintenance plans.

The fourth quarter of 2025 recorded a year-on-year decline of 5.4%, mainly due to lower production in the mining and quarrying sector. The decline was mainly attributable to reduced output at the country’s diamond mines, which have carried the bulk of Botswana’s national output over the years.