Gaborone—Botswana’s economy contracted sharply by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, a stark contrast to the 5.3% growth observed in the same period last year. This downturn was primarily attributed to a significant decline in global diamond demand, a critical sector that constitutes 80% of the country’s export revenue. According to Statistics Botswana, diamond production plummeted by 27.3%.
Specifically, the real value added by diamond traders fell by 46.8%, a severe reversal from the 3.7% increase seen the previous year. The mining and quarrying sector, another vital component of Botswana’s economy, also experienced a substantial decline with a 24.8% reduction in real value.
The overall contraction in GDP was driven by declines in key sectors such as diamond trading, mining and quarrying, water and electricity, and manufacturing. However, other industries managed to maintain positive growth rates, exceeding 0.5%.
Earlier forecasts by Botswana’s central bank had anticipated a 4.2% economic growth target for the year, a goal now jeopardized by the current economic challenges.
Botswana, known for having the highest per capita GDP among continental African nations, largely attributes its economic strength to diamond production. This revenue source supports various national initiatives, including the provision of free education to its population of 2.3 million.
As Botswana navigates these economic headwinds, the government and industry stakeholders will need to strategize on ways to diversify the economy and mitigate the impacts of the volatile diamond market on national growth.
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