The agency attributed the increase to positive growth in the water and electricity, trade, hotels and restaurants, and transportation and commutations sectors, which, respectively, posted 42.6, 6.9 and 5.8 percent growths during the period under review.
“All other industries recorded positive growths of more than 2.5 percent, with the exception of mining which decreased by 2.7 percent,” Statistics Botswana said.
The contribution of non-mining sectors to Botswana’s economy, which has been driven by mining all along, comes at a time when the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is experiencing turbulence.
A faction aligned to former president Ian Khama is currently giving President Mokgweetsi Masisi a headache.
Former cabinet minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, who is a key Khama ally, is challenging Masisi for the party presidency.
Observers are of the view that there is likely to be a change of government should BDP split. The BDP has been in power since Botswana’s independence in 1966.