World Bank sees rosier 2024 for Botswana
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 | 1110 Views |
Ramping up: The country’s newest mine, Motheo, is due to increase production this year PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
In its latest Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report released last week, the World Bank’s researchers added ten basis points to their June 2023 forecast of Botswana's economic growth for the year 2024.
At 4.1%, the projected growth is higher than the Southern African average of 3.5% but lower than government’s own expectations that the economy will this year grow by 4.4%.
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...