Politics 324 Questioo 4
Account for Botswana’s socio-economic and democratic successes and highlight possible
concerns.
For socio-economic and democratic successes see Question 2.
More Economic Successes:
Botswana had low levels of education at independence. It decided to wouldn’t follow
the example of its peers in rushing to install Batswana nationals irrespective of merit.
o It placed considerable emphasis upon the recruitment of highly competent
economist cadre for the planning and organisation and to ensure this there was
a relatively high dependence on expatriates.
o Taylor noted that expatriates were retained (as opposed to much of the rest of
Africa) in order to help train a local, but competent, and educated civil service.
o Through effective use of expatriate technical assistance and steady
development of local capabilities, the country has achieved a remarkable
record of economic planning and management.
o One result was that a strong policy-analysis capability was established,
together with a planning staff which was continuously involved in budgetary
and economic planning.
Discovery of diamonds and Botswana’s 50/50 deal with de Beers.
Challenges Faced by Botswana:
Some of the socio-economic concerns that Botswana faces today:
o Persistent poverty - after many years of sustained and uninterrupted economic
growth, about 47% of the population is believed to still live below the national
poverty line.
1
Account for Botswana’s socio-economic and democratic successes and highlight possible
concerns.
For socio-economic and democratic successes see Question 2.
More Economic Successes:
Botswana had low levels of education at independence. It decided to wouldn’t follow
the example of its peers in rushing to install Batswana nationals irrespective of merit.
o It placed considerable emphasis upon the recruitment of highly competent
economist cadre for the planning and organisation and to ensure this there was
a relatively high dependence on expatriates.
o Taylor noted that expatriates were retained (as opposed to much of the rest of
Africa) in order to help train a local, but competent, and educated civil service.
o Through effective use of expatriate technical assistance and steady
development of local capabilities, the country has achieved a remarkable
record of economic planning and management.
o One result was that a strong policy-analysis capability was established,
together with a planning staff which was continuously involved in budgetary
and economic planning.
Discovery of diamonds and Botswana’s 50/50 deal with de Beers.
Challenges Faced by Botswana:
Some of the socio-economic concerns that Botswana faces today:
o Persistent poverty - after many years of sustained and uninterrupted economic
growth, about 47% of the population is believed to still live below the national
poverty line.
1
