Since independence in 1966, Botswana has experienced remarkable and rapid economic growth, transformation, and social development. However, despite its economic successes the country has numerous challenges, for instance, increase of poverty and social inequalities and the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This has hampered the full participation of a significant proportion of people in the development processes. This scenario has further limited their access to social and economic opportunities and other benefits of development.

Poverty is still a major concern in the twenty-first century and inequalities are increasing amongst the various social groups. A significant proportion of the youth, women, and marginal remote rural dwellers have remained largely outside the successful development experiences of Botswana.