Botswana is exceptional, both within Africa and among less developed countries, as a whole, when comparison is made of macroeconomic performance, development management, and good governance. The country has developed an international reputation as a nation that stands out among developing countries, and in Africa in particular, for its generally successful development policy and economic performance. In this paper, the discussion and analysis is centred on the nature of Botswana's development policy and economic success and the lessons that can be derived for the transition economies of sub-Saharan Africa.