Africa's partnership with the world critical for development

Today the country has a national digital telephone network, and universal access to health and education, which are largely funded by the Government.

Botswana has been blessed with mineral wealth, mainly in the form of diamonds, as well as political stability based on a long-standing democratic tradition that pre-dates colonial times. But these alone cannot explain why Botswana has fared so much better than many countries with similar starting positions. Along with sound and prudent macroeconomic management that underpins the efficient use of resources and encourages private sector development, a key lesson from the Botswana experience is ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible social benefits for all. Admittedly, this is a tall order. It means that growth needs to create jobs and incomes and that it must extend its embrace to the most marginalised and poorest of society. It also means that growth must lead to improvements in public service provision, particularly in the areas of health and education.