IMF bullish on Botswana growth prospects

Optimistic: Matambo
Optimistic: Matambo

Botswana’s economic recovery is expected to strengthen to 4.5% this year before reaching almost five percent in 2018, supported by a pickup in diamond demand, public investment and structural reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes.

In a country report released this week, the IMF said following a downturn in 2015, annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to gradually increase to 4.8% by 2018, supported by a recovery in the diamond market and moderate fiscal stimulus.

The IMF’s growth projection is more bullish than government forecasts. Presenting the 2017 national budget in February, finance minister, Kenneth Matambo said the local economy was expected to grow by 4.2% this year.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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