EPA: A window for Botswana to boost exports

Botswana's beef industry is set to benefit the most from the EU deal
Botswana's beef industry is set to benefit the most from the EU deal

Botswana is looking to diversify its economy and increase exports to the European Union (EU) through the help of the recently signed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The EPA has been under negotiations since 2004, focusing on trade in goods and services.  The discussions for the goods chapter between the EU and the SADC EPA countries were concluded in July 2014.

The trade agreement includes Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland, known as the SADC EPA group, which represents six out of 15 members of SADC.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up