The Discussion Paper provides insightful explanations for Botswana’s emergence as one of Africa’s developmental success stories. It underscores the role of the ruling elite coalition in shaping the particular kind of politics, inclusive policies, consensus, partnerships and vision that have contributed to the emergence of Botswana as a democratic developmental state. This is an important paper that should be read by all those keen to understand how Botswana has managed to avoid the ‘natural resource curse’ and stand out as a model of democratic stability and sustained economic growth in Africa.
Professor DAVID SEBUDUBUDU is head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies (PAS), and the Coordinator of the Democracy Research Project (DRP) in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Dr. PATRICK MOLUTSI, was appointed the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Council (TEC), Botswana, in October 2003. Before joining the Tertiary Education Council, he worked for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in Stockholm, Sweden from 1999 to 2003.
Nordiska Afrikainstitutet (The Nordic Africa Institute) P.O. Box 1703
SE- 751 47 Uppsala, Sweden www.nai.uu.se
