Botswana Has Valued Good Governance As Much As Diamonds

The country’s trajectory shows that natural endowments are neither destiny nor curse; governance determines the outcome.

The ‘resource curse’ or ‘paradox of plenty’ affects many resource-rich African countries. In many cases, natural resources fuel corruption, conflicts, economic stagnation and institutional weakness. Botswana stands out as a remarkable counter-example.

At independence in 1966, Botswana was one of the world’s poorest countries, with limited infrastructure, a weak health system, and…