Expatriates have complained about low productivity of the workforce and xenophobia. People rock up at work at 1300 hours and think nothing of it, says one country manager. When they want to take disciplinary action, the staff is quick to point out that you are a foreigner and you should watch your steps. In a similar vein, the Walvis Bay corridor which promotes trade from Namports harbours, has protested against Botswanas unilateral decision to ban the trade of imported cars. This means about 2000 vehicles every month, destined for Zambia and Zimbabwe, will now take a longer route bypassing Botswana. These complaints come amidst allegations that Botswanas increasing red tape make the country hostile to investors. According to the World Bank it takes for instance 60 days to register a business in Botswana, twice the average of sub-Saharan Africa. Skilled labourers meanwhile are leaving the country for greener pastures in South Africa and Namibia. This is concerning for an economy that desperately needs to DIVERSIFY from diamond mining which accounts for 46% of govt revenue resulting in a dangerously narrow tax base
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 10:34:59 +0000
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