Economist Dr Keith Jefferis is not excited about economic prospects for Botswana in 2017, following a turbulent 2016 which saw massive job losses and closure of some businesses. Although some of the causes were difficult trading conditions locally, part of the reason has been heavy reliance on commodities, which renders the country vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Prolonged uncertainty in global markets and the slow pace of economic recovery in advanced economies continue to act as a drag on Botswana's economic outlook, particularly evident in recent years. Should we anticipate changes in the performance of the economy? Dr Jefferis – former Bank of Botswana Deputy Governor - insists probably not. "Because the conditions that led to depressed economic performance in 2016 are still in place. There may be some recovery in commodity prices, which continue to be subdued, that may help boost the economy but that should not translate to mean all will be rosy. Otherwise many of the other factors that led to lack of confidence in private sector will continue and such confidence will remain low," he said. Dr Jefferis said there is still an open question on what will happen to BCL as the liquidator is yet…