Firms more upbeat about prospects

Businesses in the country are ‘less pessimistic’ about the economy and their own profitability, despite concerns about rising costs and tight credit in the short term, the latest Bank of Botswana Business Expectations Survey (BES) shows.

The survey, conducted quarterly, sampled 100 businesses across eight economic sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade, hotels and restaurants as well as finance and business services. According to the survey, businesses now expect the economy to record zero growth this year, an improvement from their expectation of a 0.2% contraction in the June edition of the BES. By comparison, the Finance and Economic Development ministry expects 8.9 percent contraction of the economy this year, while the International Monetary Fund has projected a 9.6 percent fall.

With the easing of local and international COVID-19 restrictions and recovery of demand, more firms even in hard hit sectors such as hotels, were more optimistic about their short term prospects, the BES showed.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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