Botswana’s new President, Duma Boko, has appointed Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe as finance minister, marking a pivotal start for his administration. Analysts attribute Boko’s surprise election victory to growing economic grievances, particularly among young Batswana, amid the country’s economic downturn. Gaolathe faces the urgent task of addressing Gaborone’s economic slowdown, with growth expected to dip to 1% this year due to decreased diamond production. Acknowledging the country’s financial strain, Boko emphasized the significant challenge ahead, describing it as “choppy and turbulent waters.” In other key appointments, Boko named an opposition health minister and an independent lawmaker as deputy minister of agriculture. However, he has yet to name a new mining minister, a role that is considered critical given Botswana’s status as the world’s top diamond producer. Additional cabinet appointments are expected in the coming days.
SOURCE: REUTERS
