Shock as unemployment levels decline

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

The country’s rate of unemployment has dropped from 19.9% in 2011 to 17.6% in 2016, a surprise development in a country where the situation on the ground suggests joblessness is on the rise.

Statistics Botswana statistician general, Anna Majelantle told the media yesterday that Botswana’s total population aged 18 years and above was estimated at 1.268 million of which 838,002 were economically active.

“Of the 838,002 economically active population, 147,101 were unemployed with the private sector remaining the largest employer at 44.6%.

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