Comment le BOTSWANA est sorti de la PAUVRETÉ, et est devenu un Pays AFRICAIN RICHE !

In 1966, when Botswana gained independence from British rule, it boasted a 50-kilometer paved road and a per capita GDP of around $60. With the discovery of diamonds shortly after independence, Botswana's economy grew rapidly. Unlike other African countries, which, after discovering mineral wealth, descended into civil wars, Botswana was able to use its resources to fuel economic growth. Botswana's small population, currently 2.5 million, good governance, and prudent financial management have enabled it to leverage 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 governed the nation since independence. Peaceful elections are held every five years. The first two presidents ruled the country when presidential terms were not established. The second president, Sir Ketoumilé Masiré, implemented the ten-year term, consisting of two five-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 or no progress, their primary goal was to move 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 eliminated tribalism and racism, ensuring that both locals and foreign nationals found a place in Botswana. With apartheid and racism rampant in neighboring countries, Botswana positioned itself as the liberal, non-racial democratic alternative. This helped it play a major role in ensuring 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 that 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 its becoming a middle-income country, presidential efforts shifted toward diversity. Subsequent presidents have consequently prioritized economic diversification on their agendas. Diamonds account for 50% of Botswana's GDP, and efforts have been directed toward growing the agricultural, private, and tourism sectors to make significant contributions to GDP. In the mid-1990s, when Botswana's rapid growth led to its becoming a middle-income country, presidential efforts shifted toward diversification. As a result, subsequent presidents prioritized economic diversification in their agendas. Diamonds account for 50% of Botswana's GDP, and efforts have been directed toward 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 develop in dry and arid conditions. Part of Botswana's post-colonial leadership consisted of chiefs, who were traditionally the defenders of their people's well-being. Their inclusion in the leadership helped the country maintain its development goals, rather than benefiting a few elites. Equality and prosperity for all became their mantra, and efforts were made to achieve it. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @afriquerevelee © 2022, Afrique Révélée