Local economy could shrink by 5.4%, IMF says

Lockdown. Independence Avenue empty PIC. PHATSIMO KAPENG
Lockdown. Independence Avenue empty PIC. PHATSIMO KAPENG

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the local economy to contract by 5.4% this year, weighed down by the broad impact of the coronavirus, Mmegi has established.

Should the figure projected by the IMF be realised, 2020’s contraction will the second worst annual GDP performance in the country’s history since the -7.7% recorded in 2009 when the global recession hit local shores.

In its World Economic Outlook released yesterday, the IMF forecast that growth would bounce back to 6.8% for Botswana in 2021. That level, if realised, would be the highest on an annual basis since 2013 when the local economy expanded by 11.3%.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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