Botswana's Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe will double as finance minister, new President Duma Boko said on Monday, announcing the first ministerial positions in his cabinet.
In a shock election result earlier this month, Boko's Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition ousted the party that had ruled the southern African country for nearly six decades.
Analysts say mounting economic grievances, particularly among young people, contributed to Boko's landslide victory.
High on Gaolathe's to-do list will be lifting economic growth, which the International Monetary Fund projects will slow to 1% this year mainly due to lower diamond production.
"We are in a dire economic and financial situation. He has a huge job on his hands. He has to steer us through these choppy and turbulent waters," Boko said during a press conference, referring to Gaolathe.
Boko also named an opposition lawmaker as deputy health minister and an independent lawmaker as deputy agriculture minister.
He has not yet revealed the new mining minister, a job that is especially closely watched as Botswana is the world's top diamond producer by value.
Boko told reporters that more cabinet appointments would be announced in the coming days.
Latest Stories
-
Electrician sentenced for theft; one suspect at large
7 mins -
Martin Amidu: Speaker Bagbin’s disobedience of Supreme Court orders leaves residues to be felt for years to come
23 mins -
Pay attention to teachers if you want to win power – Senior teachers tell Bawumia
24 mins -
We have successfully implemented Free SHS policy – Bawumia
29 mins -
Baba Rahman leaves door open for Black Stars return
35 mins -
E.L delights music lovers with new single ‘See Boday’
41 mins -
NPP’s Frimpomaa urges first-time voters to back Bawumia in December 7 elections
55 mins -
Next NDC government will create responsible and youth-inclusive mining – Omane Boamah
59 mins -
Farmer jailed 18 months for stealing ‘akpeteshie’ distilling pipe
1 hour -
Irish President calls for urgent action on climate crisis and debt reform to support Africa’s development
2 hours -
FIFA hopes to expand trials of VAR-style coach challenges
2 hours -
The Journey of Growth: Nana Kwame Bediako and the Process of Maturity [Video]
2 hours -
Joy FM listeners express concerns and opinions on Ghana’s fight against illegal mining
2 hours -
Fire guts 15 structures at Circle, over 200 facilities salvaged – GNFS
2 hours -
Today in history: Hearts beat CotonSports to seal Confederation Cup final place
2 hours