Middle East unrest weighs on deficit, inflation
Friday, June 12, 2026 | 70 Views |
Under pressure: Finance Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
In a recent research report, Emmanuel Kwapong, Economist Africa at Standard Chartered, said the Middle East conflict was likely to worsen the country’s existing macroeconomic challenges, which largely emanate from the prolonged weakness in diamonds.
“We now expect a more subdued recovery in the diamond sector, Botswana’s key growth driver, as the conflict weighs on global growth and discretionary spending in key diamond end-markets," he said.
For decades, the Francistown-Nata road has witnessed countless accidents, many of them fatal. Families have lost loved ones. Businesses have suffered delays while motorists have repeatedly complained about the poor condition of the road.The opening of the new section is therefore welcome news and a reminder that investing in quality infrastructure can save lives.However, while the smooth new surface brings relief, it also comes with greater...