IMF urges Botswana to focus on viable projects
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Article IV Consultations are bilateral discussions whereby the IMF consults annually with each member to assess each country’s economic health and to forestall future financial problems.
An IMF delegation visited Gaborone in December last year for discussions on the Article IV Consultation with Botswana. The focal point of the discussions was on near term policies to offset the current economic slowdown and on the reforms and investments needed to foster diversification and inclusive growth.
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...