Modest economic growth seen in NDP11

Matambo (center) with Finance Ministry senior officials at yesterday's conference. PIC: KAGISO ENOCK
Matambo (center) with Finance Ministry senior officials at yesterday's conference. PIC: KAGISO ENOCK

Government targets a modest average growth rate of 4.4 percent in the next six years under a medium term socio economic framework, the 11th National Development Plan (NDP11), from 3.8 percent in the current plan (NDP10).

But the targeted growth rate will not be enough to address the country’s development challenges, which include poverty, income inequality unemployment, finance minister Kenneth Matambo told a NDP11 consultative conference yesterday.

NDP11 kicks in next year covering the period from 2017 to 2022 to succeed the current NDP10 ending this year. “Though marginally better than in NDP10, the 4,4 percent average growth in the medium term will be insufficient to address the development challenges of unemployment, poverty and income inequality. Our challenge is to find measures that increase the growth of the economy beyond the projected level of 4.4 percent,” said Matambo.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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