Gaborone – Botswana’s economy recorded signs of recovery during the first half of 2026, with real gross domestic product growing by 3.5 per cent year on year in the first quarter and diamond production registering a sharp increase in the second quarter.
The developments were discussed at the Finance and Investment Pitso in Gaborone, where Acting President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said the latest economic performance was encouraging while warning that Botswana’s long term growth could not continue to rely heavily on diamonds.
Gaolathe said the government was pursuing economic diversification through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which is intended to create greater opportunities for private sector investment across a range of industries.
Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and financial services were among the sectors identified as having potential to contribute to a broader and more resilient economy.
The Finance Minister also called for greater attention to liquidity in financial markets and access to financing for businesses.
He said the government would work with the Bank of Botswana and other market participants to improve coordination, transparency and predictability in the issuance of securities.
The measures are intended to support a more efficient financial market and improve access to capital for businesses and other productive sectors of the economy.
Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki said the country’s institutional strength, prudent management of resources and credibility of its economic policies continued to support confidence in Botswana’s financial markets.
Moseki outlined five priorities for the Finance and Investment Pitso. These are liquidity and funding, investor confidence, financing for the productive economy, coordination among market participants and a stronger understanding of market dynamics.
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