Mining revenues down P3bn, jobs down 2,000

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The bad, old days are here again. The economy has returned to negative growth for the first time since the 2008 global financial crisis and as Staff Writer, BRIAN BENZA observes, mine closures, job losses and a significant budget deficit are just a few of the fruits of slow diversification

The prevailing commodity prices slump is a global economic phenomenon largely caused by a slow recovery in the world economy. Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is feeling it with the crash in oil prices having seen the country’s 2016-budget post a record deficit. Next door, the Zambian Kwacha is reeling from it with the collapse of copper prices and Botswana, with 80 percent of its foreign exchange revenue coming from one commodity, has unsurprisingly not escaped the commodity price slump.

 

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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