Mmegi

Non-mining GDP to tumble as gov't cash woes worsen

Seeing risks: Jefferis PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Seeing risks: Jefferis PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Economic activity outside the mining sector is expected to suffer knock-on effects of slowed government spending coupled with delayed payments to suppliers, as the economy’s cash crunch takes a turn for the worst, BusinessWeek has learnt.

Non-mining GDP held the fort last year as the only growing sector of the economy, containing a contraction of economic output to negative three percent, which could have been worse if non-mining GDP did not grow at by four percent.

Prominent economist Keith Jefferis said during an economic update shared this week in Gaborone that the non-mining GDP this year would take a nosedive as government spending slows and payments to suppliers continue to stall from government.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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