Mmegi

IMF sees diamond downturn squeezing growth

At the helm: Finance Minister, Peggy Serame, will be keeping a close eye on the numbers emerging from various sectors of the economy PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
At the helm: Finance Minister, Peggy Serame, will be keeping a close eye on the numbers emerging from various sectors of the economy PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) now expects the local economy to expand by just one percent this year, as the downturn in diamond mining and associated activities continues.

Earlier this year, in its World Economic Outlook, the IMF had projected 3.6 percent growth for Botswana in 2024. Government at the time of the February budget speech projected a 4.2 percent expansion, but the Bank of Botswana recently said this would likely be missed due to the underperformance of the key mining sector.

In a statement following the institution’s annual review with local fiscal and monetary policy authorities, Luc Eyraud, division chief in the IMF African Department, said the slowdown in diamonds would weigh down the economy 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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