Bolivia's economy, once thriving due to a fossil gas boom from 2006 to 2014, is now in crisis as gas reserves dwindle and inflation rises. The country, which previously saw significant poverty reduction and economic growth, is struggling with a reliance on gas exports and a lack of diversification in its economy. Experts highlight the failure to invest in sustainable industries and the impact of capital flight as key factors in the current downturn.
As Bolivia approaches a potential future as a net gas importer by 2030, the government is shifting focus to gold mining and agroindustry. However, Indigenous communities advocate for sustainable practices that could offer long-term benefits, contrasting with the extractive model that has historically dominated the economy.