Rethink development strategy, AFDB urges Botswana

High unemployment, income inequality and poverty are key development challenges facing Botswana
High unemployment, income inequality and poverty are key development challenges facing Botswana

Botswana’s economy is at a critical juncture and rethinking of the country’s development strategy to promote inclusive growth is required, the African Development Bank (AFDB) has said.

In a Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the period 2015-2019 approved by the Bank this week, the Tunis based AFDB says there is a need to accelerate the transformation from primary sector-driven economy to advanced manufacturing and services as the country is highly vulnerable to global shocks as evidenced by the 2009 financial crisis.  

In 2009, Botswana borrowed $1.5 billion from the AFDB for budgetary support after diamond revenues were adversely affected by the financial crisis.

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