Wholesale and retail sector dominates economy
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Statistics Botswana building PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
According to Statistics Botswana (SB), the sector recorded a total of 6,787 establishments during the first phase of the Census of Enterprises and Establishments (CEE) conducted in 2016-2017. This represented 36.6% of the total 18,552 businesses enumerated in that period.
The sector was followed by ‘other service’ industry with 10.7% or 1,994 establishments. Other service activities include activities of membership organisations such as religious and political organisations.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...