Economy grew 11.4% in 2021, fastest since 1989

High hopes: Finance minister, Peggy Serame expects the economy to expand by 4.3 percent this year PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
High hopes: Finance minister, Peggy Serame expects the economy to expand by 4.3 percent this year PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

The country’s real Gross Domestic Product rose by 11.4% last year, the highest annual growth rate since 1989 and a rebound from a record contraction in 2020, as an economist cautioned that the economy was still working back to its pre-pandemic trend path.

Figures provided by Statistics Botswana recently indicate that diamonds anchored growth last year, as both resurgent demand for the precious stones and relaxed border movements helped the sector’s performance.

“Diamond Traders recorded a massive growth of 78% as opposed to a decline of 36.7% recorded in the previous year,” Statistics Botswana researchers said in an update.

Editor's Comment
BDP primaries leave a lot to be desired

The BDP as a party known to have ample resources has always held its primaries well in time, but this time around that was not the case. The first leg of the primaries was held last weekend, with the final leg being billed for the coming weekend. This time around, the BDP failed to shine in its primary elections. The elections were chaotic; most if not all polling stations didn't open at the specified time of 6am. Loyal BDP members braved the...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up