Botswana

Facts about Botswana

Botswana, one of Africa's most stable countries, is the continent's longest continuous multi-party democracy. It is relatively free of corruption and has a good human rights record. Botswana is the world's largest producer of diamonds and the trade has transformed it into a middle-income nation. However, the country has had its share of problems: It once had the world's highest rate of HIV-Aids infection. Fortunately, the country had one of Africa's most-advanced treatment programs, and medicine for the virus is readily available.

Botswana, along with much of sub-Saharan Africa, is on the verge of a crisis. By 2035, the International Monetary Fund estimates the number of Africans joining the working age population will exceed the rest of the world combined. To fill this surge, 18 million new jobs will have to be created each year for the next 20 years across sub-Saharan Africa. In the meantime, Batswana rely on the informal sector for a chance to earn a living. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can earn more, build their assets, create jobs and cushion themselves against external shocks. FINCA is helping Batswana improve their lives by supporting access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.