Botswana: 2018 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Botswana
IMF Staff Country Reports, September 5, 2018
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- Botswana: 2018 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Botswana
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Bibliographic details
- Published: September 5, 2018
- Series: IMF Staff Country Reports
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484375426.002
Executive summary and outlook
- Sizable buffers and prudent policies have kept Botswana’s economy stable despite diamond market weakness and volatility.
- In 2017, despite higher diamond production, real GDP growth dropped to 2.4 percent primarily because of the closure of a major copper and nickel mining company.
- Non-mineral growth decelerated reflecting the indirect effects of the company’s closure on electricity and transportation, coupled with a small slowdown in trade and construction.
- In 2018–2019, it is expected that improving conditions in the diamond market and fiscal stimulus will temporarily boost economic activity.
- The medium-term economic outlook will depend heavily on the successful implementation of critical structural reforms.
Key findings and statistics
- Real GDP growth in 2017: 2.4 percent.
- Diamond production in 2017: described as higher (no numeric value provided).
- Time horizon for temporary boost: 2018–2019.
- Pages: 82
- Volume: 2018
- Issue: 268
- Series: Country Report No. 2018/268
- Stock No: 1BWAEA2018001
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484375426.002
- ISBN: 9781484375426
- ISSN: 1934-7685
Policy implications and priorities
- Maintain prudent fiscal and macroeconomic policies to preserve buffers against external volatility.
- Implement critical structural reforms to strengthen the medium-term economic outlook and reduce reliance on diamond market conditions.
- Use targeted fiscal stimulus in 2018–2019 to support the temporary recovery as diamond market conditions improve.
Thematic coverage and metadata
- Subject areas: Balance of payments statistics, Economic and financial statistics, Economic sectors, Expenditure, Fiscal policy, Fiscal stance, Government finance statistics, Public sector
- Keywords: Africa, AFRITAC, AFRITAC South, authorities' effort, authority, Balance of payments statistics, Botswana, CR, development model, East Africa, financing requirement, Fiscal stance, Global, Government finance statistics, growth potential, ISCR, private sector growth, Public sector, Southern Africa, steadfast commitment
International Monetary Fund. African Dept. "Botswana: 2018 Article IV Consultation; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Botswana", IMF Staff Country Reports 2018, 268 (2018), DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484375426.002.
Content in this bundle
- Country Report