Desert, diamonds, diplomas and degrees. Building an engineering department in Botswana

When Botswana gained its independence from Britain in 1966, after 80 years of colonial rule, many believed that this landlocked country, with a population slightly under 1 million, was not viable. There were few roads, schools or medical facilities. With the discovery and large-scale exploitation of diamonds (starting in the 70s), Botswana´s economic development took off. From being one of the world´s least developed countries, Botswana found itself with the world´s richest diamond mine, and soon became Africa´s fastest growing economy. Here, the author examines how engineering education has developed in Botswana since its independence