Botswana at 60 challenges the story of postcolonial African failure
Summary
Botswana is celebrating 60 years of independence with large improvements in its economy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Once one of the poorest countries, it is now an upper-middle-income nation with strong public services, political stability, and international sports success.Key Facts
- Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966.
- In the early years, it had very few paved roads and low education levels.
- The economy grew rapidly between 1965 and 1980, averaging almost 14% growth annually.
- By 2025, Botswana’s GDP per person was about $7,800, higher than South Africa’s $6,600.
- Botswana was the first country to leave the UN’s least-developed country list in 1994.
- Over 80% of the population have electricity, and tens of thousands attend university today.
- The poverty rate dropped from about 31% in 2003 to 14.5% in 2022.
- Botswana has a strong public healthcare system, including a free national HIV treatment program since 2002.
- Political power changed peacefully in 2024 after decades of rule by one party.
- Botswana manages its diamond wealth carefully, keeping half ownership of its diamond company and investing in a sovereign wealth fund for the future.
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