Botswana projects economic rebound this year despite diamond market challenges
Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe projects 3.1 percent growth this year following two years of contraction. The nation seeks urgent reforms to diversify.
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Botswana 
BW Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe announced on February 9, 2026, that the national economy is projected to grow by 3.1% in 2026. Delivering the budget speech on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Gaolathe framed this outlook as a recovery following two successive years of economic contraction. The minister attributed the recent downturn to a prolonged global diamond-market slump that has significantly impacted the Government of Botswana and its fiscal position.
BW Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe announced on February 9, 2026, that the national economy is projected to grow by 3.1% in 2026. Delivering the budget speech on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Gaolathe framed this outlook as a recovery following two successive years of economic contraction. The minister attributed the recent downturn to a prolonged global diamond-market slump that has significantly impacted the Government of Botswana and its fiscal position.
