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How BOTSWANA came out of POVERTY and became a RICH AFRICAN Country!
In 1966, when Botswana gained independence from the British protectorate, it boasted a 50-kilometer tarmac road with a per capita GDP of about $60. With the discovery of diamonds shortly after independence, Botswana's economy grew rapidly. Unlike other African countries, which after discovering mineral wealth, fell into civil wars, Botswana was able to use its resources to sustain economic growth.
Botswana's small population, currently 2.5 million, good governance and prudent financial management have allowed it to use its mineral wealth to achieve middle-income status by the mid-1990s.
A multi-party democracy operates in Botswana, although one party, the Botswana Democratic Party, has ruled the nation since independence. Peaceful elections are held every five years. The first two presidents ruled the country when presidential terms were not constituted. The second president, Sir Ketomile Masire, implemented the ten-year term, consisting of two 5-year terms for presidents before retiring. This then saw Botswana enter a peaceful transition of leadership.
This political stability allowed the country to grow uninterrupted, and achieve most of its development milestones. Upon independence, Botswana's leaders were challenged by the poverty of the country and its people. With little to no progress, their main focus was on moving the country from poverty to wealth.
The first president, Sir Seretse Khama, set out to create a centralized state. This ensured that people within the country's borders worked together for the good of the land and its people. This killed tribalism and racism, ensuring that both locals and foreign nationals found a place in Botswana.
With apartheid and racism rampant in neighbouring countries, Botswana positioned itself as the liberal, non-racial democratic alternative. This helped it play a major role in ensuring that majority rule was established in Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Under Khama’s influence, the Southern African Development Community was formed. SADEC enabled the region to form alliances, which encouraged and coordinated development projects across member states and different economies. The second president was challenged by the growing inequality between the educated elite and the average rural citizen. Botswana therefore invested heavily in education, mining and social services.
In the mid-1990s, when Botswana’s rapid growth led to middle-income status, presidential efforts turned to diversity. As a result, subsequent presidents have prioritised economic diversification in their agendas. Diamonds account for 50% of Botswana’s GDP, and efforts have been directed towards growing the agricultural, private and tourism sectors to make significant contributions to GDP.
In the mid-1990s, when Botswana’s rapid growth led to middle-income status, presidential efforts turned to diversity. As a result, subsequent presidents have prioritized economic diversification in their agendas. Diamonds account for 50% of Botswana’s GDP, and efforts have been directed towards growing the agricultural, private and tourism sectors to make significant contributions to GDP.
In 1966, as Botswana emerged from a severe drought, its future looked bleak. Leaders had to feed the nation and find ways to grow in dry and arid conditions. Part of the post-colonial leadership in Botswana consisted of chiefs, who were traditionally advocates for the welfare of their people. Their inclusion in the leadership helped the country maintain its development goals, instead of benefiting a few elites. Equality and prosperity for all became their mantra, and efforts were made to achieve it.
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Published Jan 4, 2025
