Mmegi

Trump tariffs: IMF, World Bank lower Botswana growth forecast

Friday, April 25, 2025 | 790 Views |

Plans upended: In February, Gaolathe had highlighted a trade war as a major risk to this year’s growth forecast PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG,

The IMF now expect Botswana’s economy to contract by about 0.4% this year, while the World Bank now projects 0.6% growth. Both reductions are largely due to the threat of Trump tariffs, which now make government’s original hope of 3.3% growth unlikely. MBONGENI MGUNI writes

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is today (Friday) expected to brief on its expectations of how the economies of sub-Saharan Africa will likely perform in 2025. This area of the globe is in a form of economic stasis, after US President, Donald Trump, hit it with some of his highest planned trade tariffs recently, before suspending the move for 90 days.

Botswana faces a 37% tariff knock on its exports to the US, while Lesotho could be hit with 50% and South Africa 30%.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Nthaile misinformed Ntlo Ya Dikgosi on Butterfly, Khama says

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

New military justice system to transform discipline in the army

Pini Bothoko | 2d ago

MISA Botswana condemns emerging threats to media freedom

MISA . | 2d ago

Bushfire Festival to ignite cultural celebration in the heart of Kgalagadi

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | 2d ago

Emergency probe as FMD tests national buffers

Mbongeni Mguni | 2d ago

FNB Premiership on a knife-edge

Kabelo Boranabi | 2d ago

'Ntungamili has always had genuine love for tennis'

Mqondisi Dube | 2d ago

Gov’t won’t apologise to Butterfly

Sharon Mathala | 2d ago

Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

The Monitor Editor | 27 January 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.

Explore

More