Case Study: Botswana (MIC) (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography): Revision Note

Reasons for Botswana's level of development

• Botswana is an example of how natural resources, when well-managed, can lead to sustainable development

• Through top-down policies (government-led investment and governance) and bottom-up impacts (education and health improvements for communities), it has risen to MIC status while maintaining environmental and social stability

Location and background

• Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

• Population: Around 2.6 million

• Gained independence from Britain in 1966 – has since experienced stable governance and steady growth

• GDP per capita was $7,820 USD in 2023 and is classified as a MIC

Reasons for Botswana’s development success

Natural resources – diamonds

• Botswana is one of the world’s largest producers of gem-quality diamonds

• Diamond revenue makes up ~80% of export earnings

• The government formed a joint venture with De Beers (Debswana), ensuring a share of profits

Political stability and good governance

• One of the most stable democracies in Africa

• Low levels of corruption and transparent budgeting

• The country has a strong legal system and respect for property rights

• Investment in rule of law and institutional trust

Low population pressure

• Relatively small population with low density

• Less strain on infrastructure and natural resources compared to other LICs in the region

Development strategies for Botswana

• Botswana has implemented a range of top-down and bottom-up strategies to improve living conditions and economic performance

1. Investment in education

• Free primary education and improved access to secondary schools

• Focus on skills development through vocational and technical training to match labour market needs

• Aim: reduce reliance on mining and build a more diversified economy.

2. Healthcare improvements

• One of Africa’s most effective large-scale responses to HIV/AIDS through

  • Free antiretroviral therapy (ART) since the early 2000s

  • Public awareness campaigns and healthcare worker training

• Improved child vaccination, maternal healthcare access and rural health clinics

3. Infrastructure development

• Significant government spending on better roads, electricity access, and water supply, particularly to rural areas

• Investment in telecommunications to support economic diversification

• Improved transport links have helped develop tourism and trade

4. Anti-corruption policies

• Botswana ranks highly for government transparency in Africa

• Competitive salaries for public officials to reduce bribery

• Legal and institutional checks on misuse of public money are done

• Institutions like the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) play a key role

5. Economic diversification

• The government has encouraged sectors beyond mining:

  • Tourism (e.g. Okavango Delta, safari industry)

  • Finance and ICT

• Promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in non-mining sectors

Why did Botswana succeed?

• Used diamond wealth wisely and equitably

• Invested in people and institutions

• Maintained political and financial stability

• Fought corruption effectively – unlike many of its neighbours