Economy blossoms as mining shines

All the macroeconomic indicators seem to be pointing in the right direction with inflation being tamed to manageable levels, although at 7.7 percent in November, it is still out of the central bank's objective. Increased economic activity is likely to boost the GDP while the central bank seems to be scoring points on the exchange rate management front. However, although authorities will be pleased with achievements made on the economic front, particularly the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the mining sector, a damning report by the United Nations released towards the end of the year spoiled the party a bit.

The report revealed that the country's high income levels have not been converted into an improved standard of living for Batswana. With a GDP per capita of US$12 387, the highest in Africa, Botswana was ranked 124 out of 177 countries as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI).