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
BDF visitation approval a welcome development

BDF camps are military camps, and there is a need for stricter rules and regulations to safeguard their operations as well as ensure the safety of civilians. Of course, military personnel are human, and they have relatives as well as girlfriends and boyfriends, but the fact remains that the BDF is responsible for ensuring national security and stability and, as such, will be one of the first targets in the event of possible attacks. The decision...

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