Of those countries outside of Asia that have recorded phenomenal levels of economic growth, it has been the so-called "developmental states" of Botswana and Mauritius that have performed well. Indeed, Botswana has had the most impressive growth figures in the world. The example of Botswana contradicts orthodox accounts of how development is best pursued, suggesting that retaining a competent and efficient state structure, rather than dismantle it as Structural Adjustment Programmes demand, is the key to future development. However, this is not to say that Botswana's development trajectory has not been unproblematic--the country has immense levels of inequality and poverty. But nor is it to deny that there have been elements within Botswana's post-independence history that other African states may take on board.
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