Botswana’s economy is losing its competitive edge, slipping further behind its African peers as weak growth, stubborn unemployment and heavy dependence on diamonds continue to undermine the country’s appeal to investors.
The latest IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026 places Botswana 66th out of 70 economies, marking its lowest position in five years and extending a steady decline from 58th place in 2022. This leaves Botswana ahead of only Mongolia, Nigeria, Namibia and Venezuela globally.
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