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IMF expects weaker growth due to diamond output drop

Heart of the economy: Jwaneng Mine is the world's most valuable diamond mine PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Heart of the economy: Jwaneng Mine is the world's most valuable diamond mine PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

A projected decline in diamond production and weaker global environment will weigh on the performance of the economy this year, an update released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.

An IMF team, led by Luc Eyraud, division chief in the IMF African Department, visited Gaborone between July 4 and 14 and held discussions with various monetary and fiscal authorities.

In a statement made available after the visit, Eyraud said the local economy was expected to grow by 3.8% this year on account of the lower diamond output and weaker global economy. The projection is marginally higher than the 3.7% forecast for Botswana by the IMF in its April World Economic Outlook, but lower than government’s own expectations of four percent growth this year.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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