Botswana is a landlocked country located in the heart of southern Africa (Shutterstock)

Botswana is a landlocked country located in the heart of the southern African continent and a neighbor to South Africa, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Since its independence in 1966, it has taken remarkable steps in development after being one of the poorest countries. Since that date, it has transformed into an economically stable and prosperous middle-income country.

Botswana stands as a beacon of hope, showing that good governance is not only possible but also pivotal.

This article explores the key elements of Botswana's success story, and examines the lessons they offer for other African countries.

  • Political stability

Botswana has enjoyed a stable political environment since its independence, with a peaceful transition of power and multi-party democracy.

The country's first president, Sir Seretse Khama, laid out the foundations for political stability by emphasizing national unity and avoiding ethnic and tribal divisions.

According to the World Bank, Botswana's political stability index has consistently ranked above the average in sub-Saharan Africa since 2000.

  • State of institutions

Botswana has a strong and independent judiciary, a well-functioning parliament, and a professional civil service.

These institutions have played an effective role in promoting good governance by ensuring accountability and transparency in government actions.

The World Bank's Global Governance Indicators rank Botswana in the top 50% in terms of government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and rule of law.

  • Economic diversification

Botswana has successfully diversified its economy, reducing its dependence on diamond exports.

The country has invested in infrastructure, education and healthcare, resulting in more balanced and sustainable economic growth.

According to the World Bank, the share of the mining sector in Botswana’s GDP declined from 35.8% in 1991 to 18.4% in 2019, while the services sector expanded from 46.7% to 52.2% during the same period.

  • financial management

Botswana has a strong track record in managing its public finances, adhering to low debt levels and prudent fiscal policy.

This has helped the country weather the economic downturn and maintain a stable macroeconomic environment.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Botswana's public debt as a share of GDP has remained below 20% since 2000, well below the average in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • The rule of law prevails

Botswana has a strong commitment to the rule of law, with a low level of corruption and a transparent legal system.

This has created an enabling environment for investment and economic growth.

Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Botswana as the least corrupt country in Africa, with a score of 61 out of 100 (where 0 is very corrupt and 100 is very clean).

  • Social development

Botswana has made great strides in improving the lives of its citizens by investing in education, health and social care.

This investment has helped reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the population.

According to the World Bank, Botswana's poverty rate fell from 30.6% in 2002-2003 to 16.3% in 2015-2016.

Diamond cutting factory in Botswana (Reuters)

Comparing Botswana to other African countries

According to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, an award presented by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to heads of state or government of Africans with good governance (IIAG), Botswana consistently ranks among the best African countries in terms of public governance.

In a 2018 report by the same institution, Botswana ranked sixth out of 54 African countries, with a score of 71.3 out of 100.

In contrast, many African countries have suffered and continue to suffer from political instability, corruption, and weak institutions.

For example, in the same IIAG report, countries like South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea were at the bottom of the list, with scores below 20 out of 100.

Members of the Botswana Defense Army (Reuters)

Lessons for other African countries

Botswana's success in achieving good governance provides valuable lessons for other African countries: political stability must be a priority, transcending ethnic and tribal divisions, and building independent judicial institutions, effective parliaments, and professional civil services.

This is in addition to diversifying the economy with wise financial management to ensure economic stability.

On the other side comes the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, as well as investment in education, health and social care.

Source: Al Jazeera