Botswana accounts for about 60 per cent of the world’s diamond production.

De Beers: an old and valuable partnership
The South African giant has been present in Botswana, a strategic partner, since the days before independence

Rare and precious like the stone they are dedicated to, the relationship between De Beers, Botswana and its government is extremely valuable. Some 75% of foreign exchange earnings, 60% of government revenue and 33% of GDP comes directly from the girl’s best friend. Diamonds have provided the country with an opportunity to evolve from their pre-independence financial situation to present day economic stability. Botswana is rated by Berlin-based non-profit organisation Transparency International as the most transparent country on the African continent. Despite an early flat demand in the 1970s, the growing global market has made Gaborone, the capital, the fastest growing city on the planet, with the best credit rating per capita in Africa. A combined joint venture between the company and the state provides free health care and education to Botswana's citizens.

Originally founded as an exploration company in South Africa, De Beers discovered their first mine in Orapa and then quickly followed up with the Jwaneng pipe. Their new prospect at Damtshaa, close to Orapa, has an estimated lifespan of 30 years and surpassed all production expectations in its first year. These and a fourth mine, Letlhakane, are clients of De Beers and function under the auspice of the Debswana Diamond Company, the largest sorting and valuing operation within their network. Each mine is equipped with advanced technology, such as environmentally friendly surface crushers, and meets stringent international environmental standards. In addition, a joint venture between De Beers and African Diamonds has resulted in the discovery of potentially lucrative new mine, AK6.

	Sheila Khama CEO of De Beers Botswana
	‘We have invested in mining activities outside the diamond industry’

An ongoing expansion within the De Beers group plans not only to maintain their past and current success, but also to secure their future. Sheila Khama, CEO of De Beers Botswana, foresees short and long-term benefits “The creation of employment and skills transfer in diamond cutting and polishing means that the Botswana economy grows. Due to these investments we will experience an effusion of manufacturing activity; more money circulating in the economy and so forth.” A large Diamond Technology Park (DTP) is projected for the capital and with the co-operation of many diamond industry leaders, it will place the country at the forefront of the global diamond industry. Around 3,000 direct jobs are expected to be created, thus bringing more commerce to the country and diversifying the diamond market within the region’s economy. Not only will it serve as a focus for the preservation of such a natural wonder, it will also bring variety to a business that has, until now, remained rather static. Banks, retailers, shops, couriers and various other businesses are expected to benefit from the centre's existence. Another interesting development is the marketing initiatives the company is taking to stimulate local and regional consumption of the gem. Drawing on 70 years of experience in the business, a new publicity campaign will try to use the country as a showcase for excellence in all aspects of diamond handling.

De Beers’ dedication to the economic survival of Botswana is one of their primary concerns. Although strictly dedicated to diamond prospecting and research, they have invested in a soda ash mine to help the country move away from dependency on diamond revenue. Mrs Khama continues, “Though we are primarily a diamond mining and marketing company, in Botswana we have invested in mining activities outside the diamond industry. De Beers is happy to make this contribution towards Botswana’s economic diversity.”