Subject matter of this paper is a comparative examination of development strategies regarding two economic sectors in the countries of Namibia and Botswana, as applied or planned in June 2006. The objective of the underlying study was to source, process and analyze up-to-date-information on development strategies of the two countries of Namibia and Botswana regarding the economic sectors a) diamonds (mining, processing and export) and b) tourism. The purpose was to provide a sound and up-to-date information basis regarding the status quo and the foreseeable future development concerning the above mentioned strategies. The content of this paper is aimed at a readership that is not necessarily highly familiar with the circumstances neither regarding the region nor the economic sectors.
The relevance of the study derives from a need to try to adapt and transfer successful economic concepts. Presumably, there are best practices and lessons learned that developmental latecomers could capitalize on in spite of differing positions at the outset. The economic situation of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is still marked by a relative weak growth compared to other regions of the world (cf. Collier and Gunning 1999). Some researchers even wrote about the “marginalisation of Africa” (cf. Collier 1995). Though, there are at least two countries that have shown an impressive performance since their respective foundation respectively independency. The countries of Botswana and Namibia both distinguished themselves by proving that it was possible to become economically relatively prosperous nations with economically promising future prospects starting from a very unfavourable position (Botswana)respectively developing within a very short time span(Namibia). Botswana as well as Namibia are today classified by the World Bank as middle income developing countries, Namibia as a lower, Botswana even
as an upper one (World Bank, 2006).
The study focuses on two economic sectors that are common driving forces of the respective economies (within the primary sector: diamond mining; within the tertiary sector: tourism services) and attempts an intrasectoral, international comparison of the particular development strategies. The diamond-related field of economy of special interest, since in contrast to a whole array of other African states, both nations successfully avoided to be affected by the so-called “resource curse” (see Auty, 1995). Tourism, on the other hand, might be the currently most promising sector in terms of growth perspectives and overcoming the still overwhelming dependence of African economies on primary commodity exports.
As far as the author is aware, the current status of research results from the execution of a fair amount of studies regarding strategic approaches and other issues concerning the sectors in question for individual countries in the region. There also exist papers on general strategic issues of economics, economics-related policies and governance. However, to the best of the author’s knowledge and belief, there yet has been no comparative study of the two sectors jointly respectively between the countries of Botswana and Namibia.
Contents
LIST OF FIGURES/ TABLES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
1 Introduction
- 1.1 Objective and Relevance of the Study
1.2 Method and Conduct
1.3 Definitions and Delimitations
2 Choice of Economies and Sectors
- 2.1 Argumentation for Choice of Economies and Economic Sectors
2.2 Characteristics, Policy Export Orientation, Export Diversification Policies
3 The Sector Development Strategies in Botswana and Namibia
- 3.1 Export Sector: Diamonds
- 3.1.1 Diamond Sector Development Strategies in Botswana
and Namibia
3.1.2 Comparison of Diamond Sector Development
Strategies
3.2 Export Sector: Tourism
- 3.2.1 Tourism Sector Development Strategies in Botswana
and Namibia
3.2.2 Comparison of Tourism Sector Development Strategies
4 Summary and Policy Recommendations
- 4.1 Summary
4.2 Policy Recommendations and Outlook
References
Acknowledgements
