Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe will also double as finance minister, newly elected President Duma Boko said in a statement on Monday, the first big cabinet appointment in his administration.
Boko’s Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition pulled off a surprise victory earlier this month, after nearly six decades of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party. Analysts said UDC’s success was fueled by widespread economic frustrations-especially among young people.
“The country is facing an abysmal economic and financial situation,” Boko said at a news conference. “Gaolathe has an enormous job ahead. He must guide us through these turbulent waters.”
The immediate task that would confront Gaolathe will be the revival of the economy of Botswana. The International Monetary Fund has forecast growth to slow this year to just 1%, largely because diamond production has fallen.
Boko also announced other top appointments: An opposition legislator was appointed deputy health minister, and another independent lawmaker became deputy agriculture minister. The mining minister post-considered one of the top cabinet positions, which oversees Botswana’s diamond industry-remains vacant.
“We are taking time to select the right candidate for mining minister,” Boko said. “More cabinet announcements will come in the days ahead.”.
The UDC’s historic victory in the October election has created expectations for a change of policy and government. As the opposition takes office, economic recovery is at the top of the agenda. Over the next few months, it will be clear whether Boko will be able to lead Botswana out of its economic troubles.
