Non-mining sector growth seen decelerating

In the first quarter BIFM Economic Review report, economist Dr Keith Jefferis says after rising by 5.1 percent last year, economic growth in 2012 is likely to be similar to or slightly lower than in 2011, at around 4-5 percent.

"This growth rate will be driven by an improved growth rate in mining, while growth in the non-mining private sector is likely to slow down. In particular, the large growth impetus that has come from the construction sector will fall away as large construction projects such as the Morupule B power station and Jwaneng Cut 8 wind down. At the same time, there is likely to be little or no growth in the output of the government sector, given spending restraint, 2012 should be a year of important mining-related developments," reads the report.