Hope, uncertainty as economy enters second half

Tuesday, July 07, 2026 | 10 Views |

Finding its feet: Morupule B’s improved operations helped electricity stability in the first quarter and also supported broader economic activity. Electricity recorded an increase of 197.7% in the first quarter, compared to a 50.0% decrease in the corresponding quarter of 2025 PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

The economy grew by 3.5% in the first quarter with expansion in nearly all sectors. Positivity is strengthening in diamonds and the broader mining sector going into the second half of the year. Risks are however also rising, including key credit ratings decisions in September. MBONGENI MGUNI writes

The economy expanded by 3.5 percent in the first quarter, with most sectors recording growth of 0.3 percent or higher, except for agriculture and construction which declined.

The numbers compare to a contraction in the first quarter of 2025 of 0.3 percent and for the Finance Ministry, represent a welcome sign of a possible rebound in the economy this year.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

ECONOMY

Minister-of-Sport-and-Arts-Jacob-Kelebeng

Kelebeng: Fortuitously wooed into politics by sport

Ryder Gabathuse | 03 Jul 2026

Ray of light beams for gold mining in the North

Lewanika Timothy | 03 Jul 2026

BNF postpones executive secretary's disciplinary hearing

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 3 h ago

Dow gets BCP women endorsement ahead of poll

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 3 h ago

BHC court defence crumbles as judge rejects legal mandate

Mpho Mokwape | 3 h ago

Court halts Bargaining Council activities

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 3 h ago

Rape, murder accused found hanging

Pini Bothoko | 3 h ago

Toddler critical after gas delivery truck hit

Pini Bothoko | 3 h ago

Appeal to public transport operators to exercise caution

Those who occasionally use highways like the A1 and A3 roads will bear testimony to have experienced this firsthand as they have been overtaken by overspeeding buses. Sadly, some of the passengers are the ones who urge some bus drivers to overspeed.The result of this madness is the horrific accident that claimed lives of nine people on Sunday evening near Lechana settlement along the A1 Highway.It is reported that the incident occurred after the...

The Monitor Editor | 07 July 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.