Mmegi

Growth now expected near zero, deficit set to widen

Friday, June 06, 2025 | 200 Views |

Frank talk: Kganetsano at the PAC on Monday

The Finance ministry now expects the economy to either experience zero growth or contract this year, whilst the forecast P22 billion deficit will widen, as the recovery from a two-year slowdown diamonds has grown uncertain due to US trade tariffs, BusinessWeek has learnt.

The latest forecast comes as Finance ministry technocrats prepare the country’s inaugural mid-term budget, which will provide a half-year revision of the estimates provided in the February budget.

In a week in which the country was shaken by more revelations of the dire hand-to-mouth state of public finances, Finance ministry officials announced that the local economy was facing the possibility of the first ever double recession since Independence in 1966.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

ECONOMY

Collective action needed to beat FMD, Gaolathe says

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | 16 h ago

Murder probe launched following discovery of two bodies at Sese

Brilliant Manje | 17 h ago

Ex UB lecturer’s rape case continues without expert witness

Larona Makhaiza | 17 h ago

Ezra Neethings breaks the norm with one-man live concert

Brilliant Manje | 22 h ago

Santos focused on rebuilding for now

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | 23 h ago

Pesela, Thebe make a comeback

Calistus Kolantsho | 23 h ago

Young Mares march into lion’s den with belief

Kabelo Boranabi | 23 h ago

Two-horse race in bowls presidential race

Calistus Kolantsho | 1d ago

Mabogo dinku a thebana

According to both the acting director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale and acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, the virus currently raging through the North-East mostly likely first entered the country during the festive season.From the “unprecedented” number of cases picked in testing last week, it is likely that cattle and other livestock could have been infected last year, without being reported.Animal health...

Mmegi Editor | 06 February 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More