Economy growth steadies in lukewarm 2014

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Economic growth looks set to end the year in line with experts’ projections, in a humdrum year characterised by a tepid non-mining private sector and weaker real personal incomes and restrained government spending.

According to figures presented by Statistics Botswana, the economy grew by 5.8 percent and 5.2 percent in the first and second quarter respectively, with analysts forecasting a year-end growth of around 5%.

While the IMF and other pundits forecast an economic growth rate of just under 5%, Ministry of Finance officials project the domestic economy to grow moderately by 5.2 percent in 2014 and a further 5.0 percent in 2015, underpinned an expected recovery in diamond production.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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