Description:
This article examined the trends in economic growth and poverty in
relation to corruption indices in Botswana relative to other SADC
countries. Using Botswana cross-country data, the study has shown
that there is a negative correlation between economic growth and
corruption, but a positive correlation between poverty and corruption.
It has also shown that Botswana has consistently been the least corrupt
in Africa and, over time, economic growth has been impressive while
poverty levels have remained relatively low. We suggest that other
countries in Africa can learn from Botswana. They can control inflation
through effective anti-corruption institutions and improve governance
and adopt a judicious use of resources as Botswana has done. Emulating
Botswana could help these African countries to enhance economic
growth and reduce poverty.