IMF trims Botswana deficit forecast

Government anticipates a P12.1 billion deficit, equivalent to 12.2 percent of the forecast 2010/11 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of P99.70 billion. The IMF's prediction for the deficit - based on the government's GDP projections - is thus approximately P6.4 billion.

The Fund said while Botswana's plans to balance the budget by 2012/13 were "ambitious", they were also warranted, given the numerous fiscal threats, including double-dip recession in advanced economies and lower mineral revenues in the medium-term.