Gaborone, Botswana – In a recent interview with James Smart, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi shared his insights on a range of topics, including the country’s strong democratic traditions, its remarkable economic growth, and the critical challenges facing Africa.
Democracy Rooted in Tradition:
President Masisi emphasized the importance of Botswana’s unique kgotla system, where citizens directly engage with their leaders and hold them accountable. “This dialogue is unparalleled in its commitment to quality and an opportunity for those who are there to put their case across in the public interest,” Masisi explained. He believes this transparency, rooted in tradition, is a cornerstone of the country’s good governance and stability.
Transforming Resources into Growth:
Regarding the economy, Masisi attributed Botswana’s success to a combination of factors, including political stability, sound governance, and significant investments in education and infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of “transforming natural resource wealth into human capital” and promoting private sector development.
“We developed a system as we gathered many more resources than we had before—financially, that is—to educate our people,” Masisi stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to investing in its citizens.
Addressing critical challenges:
However, Masisi also acknowledged major challenges facing Botswana, such as the high HIV prevalence rate, violence against women and children, and limited intra-African trade. He outlined the government’s efforts to address these issues, including expanding access to healthcare, promoting gender equality, and improving infrastructure and connectivity.
Harnessing the Power of Trade:
On the topic of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Masisi expressed support for the initiative but acknowledged challenges like payment systems, infrastructure limitations, and high levels of debt across the continent. He emphasized the need for gradual implementation and a focus on improving skills and production capacity within African nations.
“We take this up with zeal, but our productive capacity is quite narrow,” Masisi confessed, recognizing the need for further development within the country to fully participate in the AfCFTA.
Managing Debt Responsibly:
Masisi also addressed concerns about debt, emphasizing the importance of responsible borrowing and avoiding debt traps. He cited Botswana’s constitutional limits on debt as a key factor in its economic stability.
“We work carefully and thoroughly analyzing that which we can offer,” Masisi stated, highlighting the government’s cautious approach to borrowing.
Gradual Approach to Open Borders:
Regarding the sensitive topic of visa-free movement within Africa, Masisi expressed support for the concept but advocated for a gradual approach. He cited concerns about potential surges and the need to ensure adequate resources to support increased migration.
“It’s a complex issue,” Masisi acknowledged, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before implementing such a policy.
Responding to Criticism:
President Masisi also responded to criticism from his predecessor, dismissing accusations of political persecution and attributing the disagreement to differing ideas. He emphasized the freedom of speech and opposition enjoyed by all citizens in Botswana under his leadership.
“He’s a critic like anybody else,” Masisi stated, highlighting the importance of free expression in a democracy.
Combating Corruption:
Finally, Masisi addressed the issue of corruption, asserting that it is under control in Botswana. He cited the country’s positive ranking in Transparency International’s corruption index and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat this challenge.
“Nobody can ever say they’ve kept corruption at bay completely,” Masisi admitted, but expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the government’s anti-corruption measures.
Overall, President Masisi’s interview paints a picture of a confident and optimistic leader who is committed to addressing the challenges facing Botswana and Africa as a whole. He emphasizes the importance of democracy, good governance, and responsible economic development as key drivers of progress for the continent.