Economy grows at slowest pace since recession

Ndzinge
Ndzinge

The economy grew at 4.4 percent in 2014, the lowest growth rate recorded since the economic recession of 2009, figures released by Statistics Botswana (SB) this week show.

According to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) statistics, the 4.4 percent growth is less than half the revised growth rate of 9.3 percent registered in 2013. The country’s economic back bone, mining, slowed down sharply to register a growth rate of just 4.5 percent in 2014 from 23 percent the previous year. The water and electricity sector was the biggest drawback to the economy as the sector registered a negative growth of 18 percent in the year.

Since the economic recession of 2009, when growth stood at a negative 7.6 percent, the economy has grown by   healthy percentages of 8.6 percent in 2010, 6 percent in 2011, and 4.8 percent in 2012

Editor's Comment
Watch your tongue Mr President

While his leadership has brought about significant progress and development, it is imperative that he exercises greater caution in his choice of words, particularly when addressing sensitive matters.One of the primary concerns is the potential impact of his remarks on Botswana’s relationship with De Beers, the diamond mining giant that plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy.The partnership between Botswana and De Beers has been mutually...

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