A properous, peaceful nation and a model of good governance celebrates forty years of independence and sustained economic growth

2006 has been a year of anniversary celebrations throughout Botswana. The republic ceased to be the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland 40 years ago, although it remains a staunch participant in the Commonwealth and maintains strong cultural and economic ties with Britain. Forty years of multiparty democracy have made Botswana the longest lasting democracy in Africa and a remarkably prosperous and peaceful country on a continent where poverty, conflict and corruption are all too often the norm.

Botswana is proud to call itself corruption-free. Agencies like Transparency International give the country the highest marks for transparency for any African country. Standard & Poors and Moody’s also give Botswana the thumbs up, adding to its credentials as a role model for other African states. Although a small country, Botswana is determined to play a leadership role from the heart of Southern Africa. In August 2006, Botswana’s President Festus G. Mogae, an Oxford-educated economist, took over the chairmanship of the South African Development Community.

Festus G. Mogae President of the Republic of Botswana

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the country’s most pressing problems. On a continent where the lack of resources, stigmatisation, or simply the burying of heads in sand has made a weak response from governments the norm, President Mogae’s reaction has been proactive, with a programme to make drugs available free of charge to sufferers.
Even though Botswana built its wealth on the diamond sector, boasting one of the biggest in the world, the government has outlined a growth plan called Vision 2016 that will spur investment in other high-potential sectors like tourism, technology and financial services. The goal of this plan is to market itself to the non-diamond world by stressing the creation of a Botswana brand. “As a small nation competing in a much larger world,” said President Mogae at the launch of the branding process in May 2006, “we share a collective interest in championing a positive image of ourselves. After all, if we do not sell ourselves to the world, who will?”