Second quarter GDP (Botswana) seen weakening

An article published by the Sunday Standard Newspaper (Botswana), 25th July 2011. The article reports that Botswana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to weaken in second quarter of the year as effects of the suspended public sector strike filter into the economy. This observation is based on the Quarterly Economic Bulletin released by Motswedi Securities, a local stockbroking firm. Click here to access the article or here to access the bulletin.

The SADC Region and EPA/EBAI - Trade Balance Analysis

The paper investigates the potential trade balance outcomes of the EPA/EBAI policies in the SADC region using the GTAP7 model and database. The analysis of these policies therefore makes conclusions on SADC member states' changes in trade balance overall, per commudity's groups and on overall welfare outcomes as a result of these poicies. The study found that although the EPA/EBAI initiative policies will potentially result in overall welfare gain in the SADC region this welfare gain will only be 6% of the EU27. Click here to access the full report.

SACU averts near collapse

An article published by the Mmegi Newspaper (Botswana), 5th July 2011. The article posits that had the recommendations of an Australian consultant - which would have cost Botswana and two other SACU states billions of Pula in annual revenue - been passed, the century old customs union is likely to have collapsed, that is, according to senior officials. Click here to read more.