President Mogae: Natural resources are our bedrock

Three decades after independence, the country has developed from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country. In stark contrast to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Botswana is not troubled by corruption, crime, famine or authoritarian rule. It is a democratic country with a "world record" in economic growth. A key to Botswana's success was the establishment of a well-functioning state-apparatus that started long before the country discovered its diamond. Botswana has administered its wealth wisely by financing schools, hospitals and infra-structure, not by sponsoring the political leadership's personal spending on luxury.

"Natural Resources: Resourcing Development: The Botswana Experience."