Telecommunications reform in Botswana: a policy model for African states

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, Botswana has pursued a policy of telecommunications liberalisation. This article, based on fieldwork conducted in Botswana in the summer of 2000, analyzes several notable aspects of the process of reform and denotes those worthy of emulation by other African states. The participation and protection of domestic telecommunication users, transparency in decision-making, the creation of an independent regulatory agency, and the introduction of competition in the form of private cellular service providers are among those policy features that are recommended for replication. Various facets of the tendering process and subsequent licences granted to the mobile operators as well as recent legislation are also examined and commended.

The methodological profile of scientific publications on public transparency: An analysis of the African scenario

“…Among the qualitative studies, there was a predominant incidence of case study methods, appearing in three articles (McCormick, 2001;Omar, 2009;Dea et al, 2013). One study was completed using a critical analysis of a speech (Hu;Lin, 2001).…”

“…Case studies were observed in just three articles. McCormick (2001) wrote on reforms that culminated in the privatization of the telecommunications sector in Botswana, in attempts to understand up until what point the process was advantageous to the country, and what lessons might be taken from the example so as to promote transparency and domestic user rights, suggesting the creation of an oversight authority to regulate competition within the sector. Omar (2009) sought to outline the ways in which a lack of transparency puts social services at risk in Nigerian municipalities.…”

Regulatory independence and wireless market development: A comparative analysis of two African nations

“…Botswana's impressive regulatory governance is furthermore acknowledged in previous research. McCormick [34], suggests in her article with the revealing title "Telecommunications reform in Botswana: a policy model for African states" that Botswana has been able to develop a model of policy and regulatory governance known by significant transparency in decision making.…”

Regulatory reform and performance in telecommunications: unrealized potential in the MENA countries

“…continental European countries, many emerging markets like Morocco or Sri Lanka) had more technological options, as well as policy tools (experience of already successful markets), to introduce competition from ''day-one'' (Samarajiva, 2000). The time and impact of sector reform has also been more dramatic in these latter cases (McCormick, 2001;Wellenius & Rossotto, 1999).…”

“…They include high-tech products in aerospace, computers, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, and electrical machinery. The data are from ''World Development Report 2000/ 2001 5 Surprisingly, per capita GDP appears to be inversely related to high-tech exports. However, this is only a partial impact, since per capita income affects internet penetration (Eq.…”