Wholesale and retail sector dominates economy
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
According to Statistics Botswana (SB), the sector recorded a total of 6,787 establishments during the first phase of the Census of Enterprises and Establishments (CEE) conducted in 2016-2017. This represented 36.6% of the total 18,552 businesses enumerated in that period.
The sector was followed by ‘other service’ industry with 10.7% or 1,994 establishments. Other service activities include activities of membership organisations such as religious and political organisations.
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...