Botswana’s light still shines bright

Botswana remains one of the few bright lights in Africa, despite a growing list of challenges.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions     

The 2026 WhyAfrica RES Road Trip left Botswana yesterday, 60 years after the country gained independence. Botswana made amazing progress since that historic day on 30 September 1966.

At independence Botswana was one of the poorest countries in Africa and regarded by many as one of the poorest in the world. Not even 20 years later Botswana was recognized as one of Africa’s great success stories.

I have to make a disclaimer that I am unashamedly biased toward Botswana. I first visited Botswana 28 years ago and I’m still a regular visitor.

Botswana a vibrant country

During this time the country and its people have grown immensely. Sixty years ago, for example, there was only 12km of paved roads in Botswana. There is more than 11,200km of paved roads today in a road network of almost 35,000km.

Botswana is still a political stable, vibrant country with a great future. Yes, we all know about the issues with diamonds and diversification.

But on the ground, Botswana is a country on the move despite downgrades by rating agencies and increasing red tape to do business. Regardless, it is still a walk in the park compared to other African jurisdictions.

Diversification is happening

Diversification? Well, diversification is happening. Not only in mining (there are great copper deposits and maybe a few interesting other discoveries too). Botswana’s national parks, the Okavango Delta and its tourism sector are assets that will provide jobs for another 100 years, and its agricultural industry has massive potential.

However, Botswana’s greatest asset is its people. Over the last few weeks, I’ve spoken with people of all walks of life and of all age groups. They are all aware of what the challenges are. There are more than enough on the ground homegrown solutions.

Let’s for once, leave it to the people of Botswana to figure out their own future. They don’t need to be told.

Happy Independence Day Botswana!

Ke a leboga, batho ba ba molemo!

WhyAfrica is on day 16 of the 2026 WhyAfrica RES Road Trip though Botswana and Namibia.

Leon provides independent consulting services to investors, businesses and organizations seeking a deeper understanding of Africa’s political, economic, environmental and natural resource landscape.

Botswana’s light still shines bright