Botswana – A Story “From Rags to Riches”

A land locked country in the southern part of the African continent; Botswana has an example to set before other developing countries of the world. Botswana became independent from the British rule on the 30th of September 1966. 70% of Botswana falls under the Kalahari Desert. During Independence, Botswana was one of the poorest countries of the world. The sensibility and the effective planning of the government converted Botswana gradually from one of the poorest to one of the fastest developing economies of the world. Of Course the Diamond mining has had a major role to play in the development, but utilizing the resources in an effective manner is more important than just sitting on them.

Botswana having close trade and economic ties with South Africa has been adjudged as the fastest growing economy in Africa by several economic institutions. Service Industry, Diamond, other minerals have helped boost the economy of this country.

The secret behind the economic growth of Botswana is their policy of education and the political stability. Botswana has had just 4 Heads of State in it’s 40 years of independence. These were elected through fair and clean democratic elections. This proves how stable the country is politically. Botswana encourages higher education amongst its citizens by providing scholarships to all. Almost 50% of the Junior School pupils go for higher studies. The encouragement is so much so that if a student wants to go for further studies in a subject which is not available in Botswana, the Government sponsors their education abroad. Botswana government wants its people to work with other industrial sectors than just diamond, tourism and other minerals. This would open up the scope of varied industrial development and diversified employment, eventually leading to faster growth and prosperity. It is just in 2006 that the Government introduced school fees, to give education more value. However, University education still falls under scholarships with free Boarding and Education.

All in all, Botswana has set an example to the rest of the world that Political Stability and Education, proper planning and strategizing is the key to any country’s development. With 1.9 million populations Botswana is hardly involved in any international conflict. At the time of independence, Botswana did not posses an army. Some initial border conflicts with neighbors led to the establishment of a small defense group of around 12000 securitas. Strong ties with South Africa provide Botswana a strong defense and economic independence. Botswana has been able to steer clear of the present economic crisis because of their economic independence and their economic planning.

Botswana is a real story of a country’s journey from Rags to Riches. The Motswana (people of Botswana) now enjoys a living standard equaling that of Mexico and Turkey. Its not far in the future that Botswana will be counted in one of the best places to work for the entire world. People of Botswana are proud citizens of one of the fastest developing countries of Africa.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/