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Context
Botswana, located in Southern Africa, has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing economies. Significant mineral (diamond) wealth, robust institutions, prudent economic management, and a relatively small population of about 2.5 million contributed to the rise of Botswana as an upper-middle-income country with an aspiration of becoming a high- income country.
Despite having maintained political and economic transformation over the years, challenges remain. Economic growth has been slow, partly because of sluggish economic diversification and declining revenue from diamonds. It was noted at the beginning of 2023 that Botswana’s growth was expected to slow to 3.8 per cent due to a projected decline in diamond production.
The decline, in addition to a higher unemployment rate of 25.9 per cent during the third quarter of 2023 and a rising cost of living, has been threatening food and nutrition security in the country. It is estimated that 37,000 people in Botswana will be food insecure in 2023. Botswana’s food and nutrition security is also impacted by several major hazards, shocks, and stressors including prolonged dry spells, El Nino, pest and weed infestations, and human and wildlife conflict. Therefore, food security remains one of the key priorities for the Botswana government.
Despite economic challenges, the Botswana government has made significant progress in improving access to necessities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. It is recorded in the 2022 census that 75.8 per cent of Botswana’s population has access to electricity, 76.3 per cent have access to a mobile phone and a further 85.4 per cent have access to clean water.
Botswana is considered one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Historically, it has been dominated by a single party since independence. Three crucial elections are being held in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries during 2023 and 2024, and their results will offer insight into political stability, democratic consolidation, and trade relations within the region.