IMF predicts Botswana’s economic growth to taper to 1% amidst diamond market downturn

Botswana’s economic expansion is projected to decelerate to a mere 1% in 2024, predominantly due to a downturn in the diamond market, as highlighted in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2024 Article IV consultation. This follows a notable decline from a robust 5.5% in 2022 to 2.7% in 2023, indicating a significant reduction in the nation’s growth trajectory. The diminished demand for diamonds on the global stage has directly stifled mining activities, contributing to the...

Gold, Lithium discovered in western Botswana: A new frontier for mining

The Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI) has announced promising results from its aeromagnetic survey studies in the western regions of Botswana, particularly in the Nossop-Ncojane area. These studies have identified the presence of critical minerals, including lithium and gold, significantly boosting the prospects for future mining ventures in the region’s sandy terrains. Initiated in April 2024, the project is slated for completion by December. It aims to conduct a high-resolution aeromagnetic survey over the remaining areas...

Engen Botswana Loses Market Share to Citizen-Owned Companies

Botswana’s preeminent fuel supplier, Engen Botswana Limited, is witnessing a significant erosion of its market share within the fuel industry. This downturn is attributed to a governmental mandate that urges state departments and state-owned enterprises to procure fuel exclusively from suppliers that are 100 percent citizen-owned. The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE)-listed entity has expressed concerns regarding the increasingly challenging operating environment for both multinational and domestic fuel importers. This is primarily due to the government’s...

A Comprehensive Guide to Fixed Income Bonds

When most people think about investing, the first things that come to mind are complex stocks or real estate investment into multi-residential property. However, there’s another powerful tool for wealth creation that often flies under the radar: Fixed income securities, commonly known as bonds. Bonds can play a pivotal role in a well-rounded investment strategy, offering stability and reliable income. But what exactly are bonds, and why should you consider investing in them? Let us...