Botswana faces rising unemployment as private sector job cuts offset public sector gains
via Mmegi1 min read
Botswana's economy is projected to experience job losses, leading to historically high unemployment. Researchers at the Bank of Botswana indicate that modest employment gains in the public sector during early 2024 are likely to be reversed by job cuts in the private sector. This warning, detailed in the central bank's latest Monetary Policy Report, highlights an economy grappling with both cyclical decline and structural weaknesses. A key factor contributing to this crisis is the prolonged downturn in the diamond industry, which is a foundational sector of Botswana's economy and whose struggles are increasingly impacting the broader labor market.
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The Botswana Congress Party BCP is experiencing significant internal divisions as it prepares for its elective conference. Once known for calm internal contests, the main opposition party is now marked by open factional battles and public campaigning by rival teams, raising concerns about unity before the 2029 General Election. The conference will elect new national leadership, with members appearing more divided than in the past. The BCP's tradition of avoiding personal attacks during internal elections has eroded due to open rivalry, with competing camps mobilizing support through organized teams, public meetings, and media engagements. Appeals from senior party leaders for issue-based campaigns have had little impact, as campaign rhetoric has intensified. A key contest is for the vice president position, where incumbent Taolo Lucas is defending his role against Member of Parliament Unity Dow. Dow's supporters, campaigning under the slogan "Re Motia," advocate for fresh leadership to reposition the BCP for the 2029 national polls, believing new faces will attract voters and strengthen electoral prospects.
The three affiliates of the Umbrella for Democratic Change UDC – the Botswana National Front BNF, Alliance for Progressives AP, and Botswana People’s Party BPP – are planning to hold policy forums during the President’s Day holidays. These gatherings aim to align their priorities with the governing coalition and identify areas for reform. The UDC-led government has indicated its intention to review laws and regulations that hinder economic growth and public service delivery. UDC president Duma Boko has previously stated that some outdated laws discourage investment, making Botswana less attractive to investors, and that reviewing these laws is crucial for economic development.
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