A herculean task awaits Botswana’s new leader
Botswana’s new president takes over at a tricky time: the country’s economic growth is expected to slow in the long term, on the back of falling diamond reserves
As political change spreads in sub-Saharan Africa in a series of peaceful transitions, Botswana quietly got a new president at the start of the month. An economic overhaul may now be on the cards.Mokgweetsi Masisi was sworn in as the new president of Botswana, taking over from Ian Khama, who completed the maximum 10 years in office.Since 1997, Botswana has strictly enforced term limits and no president is allowed to serve more than two terms.The president is elected by the national assembly, which has been dominated by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) since 1966.Capital Economics economist John Ashbourne says: "Botswana’s latest legal and peaceful political transition will further strengthen its reputation as one of the best-governed countries in Africa."In Botswana, it’s not unusual to have a political transition during a president’s term. The electoral system provides ways for the BDP to groom new leaders at least a year before elections.Khama took over from former presi...
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