World Bank raises Botswana's GDP forecast

Rough diamond prices have returned to their pre-recession levels, having fallen by up to 60 percent during last year's recession. Robust prices have been recorded at sights held by the Diamond Trading Company and tenders held by other producers such as Gem Diamonds this year.

Prices have been strong across varying grades and colours of diamonds, reflecting the recovery of global consumer markets. The Global Economic Prospects Summer Update released on Wednesday revises the World Bank's projections for Botswana's economy this year but lowers the forecast for 2011 marginally to 5.5 from 5.6 percent.