In-Depth Analysis
Botswana
Botswana remains a low political risk country and, despite some internal political rumblings, remains one of Africa's most stable democracies. A fall in diamond revenues is pushing authorities to speed up economic diversification.
The Botswanan economy remains on solid ground. The latest positive economic growth reading followed a strong performance in the fourth quarter of last year. Overall, the economy is expected to rebound this year after low growth last year. The current account surplus is expected to decrease due to a fall in diamond exports and a substantial rise in imports. Consumer price inflation (CPI) remained close to the lower bound of the target range this year; however, it is projected to rise in the short term. On the fiscal side, local authorities expect the deficit to be wider than initially thought, due to lower mineral revenues. (Source: Botswana Country Profile, published September 2018.)
Macroeconomic Data
(2017)
|
Fiscal Balance (as a % of GDP) |
0.4 |
|
Consumer Price Index (% change y-o-y, avg) |
3.3 |
|
Current Account Balance (as a % of GDP) |
12.3 |
|
Real GDP (annual % change) |
2.4 |
|
GDP per Capita, US$ |
7,598 |
|
Import Cover (months) |
15.2 |
|
Population, million |
2.3 |
| Total External Debt (as a % of GDP) |
12.6 |