Botswana marks Diamond Jubilee, spotlighting diamond sector
Botswana is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of independence. The country’s future is closely tied to its diamond industry, which accounts for roughly 30 percent of its GDP. Botswana leads the world in diamond production by value, with notable finds including the 2,488-carat Motswedi Diamond and the Okavango Blue.
The country’s diamond industry is not only a significant contributor to its economy but also a symbol of its political, social, and economic stability. This stability was evident when Duma Boko was elected president in 2024, ending 58 years of Botswana Democratic Party leadership, and power was peacefully handed over.
Botswana’s Diamond Industry
During the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly and its High-Level Week, Botswana’s strength in the diamond industry was on display. Women were prominent voices in many of the conversations, including the Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy. Kenewendo highlighted the importance of conservation efforts, particularly in the Okavango Delta, which is preserved thanks to diamond revenues.
Kenewendo also emphasized the economic and social opportunities created by the diamond industry, including the preservation of over one third of Botswana’s land mass for conservation purposes. She noted that the country’s diamond revenues have enabled it to invest in its people and the planet.
The National Geographic Society and De Beers Group Okavango Eternal Partnership is one example of the country’s conservation efforts. The partnership’s research and conservation efforts were discussed during an event at Le Jardin Sur Madison, where Kenewendo, Ana Paula Chantre Luna de Carvalho Pereira, Angola’s Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Inge Zamwaani-Kamwi, Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, were in attendance.
Zamwaani-Kamwi highlighted the Namibian government’s commitment to working with those who live on the Okavango River, whose livelihoods depend on the ecosystem. The president also shared remarks, including a description of Prince Harry as “a regular—almost a citizen—of Botswana, particularly the Okavango Delta.”
The Role of Women in Botswana’s Diamond Industry
Women are playing a significant role in shaping the future of Botswana’s diamond industry. Lesego Chombo, Botswana’s Minister of Youth Agenda Affairs, noted that the country’s diamond industry funds numerous youth programs, including free health care, education, and enterprise development initiatives. Chombo has experienced the benefits of the diamond industry firsthand, having received a public education and worn a Botswana diamond to the Miss World pageant in 2024.
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Chombo emphasized that the diamond industry has enabled Botswana to invest in its people and create opportunities for economic development.
The Presidential Diamond Jubilee Reception, held on September 24, 2026, featured a display of Botswana’s diamonds, including a notable diamond on display. The event was attended by dignitaries, including President Boko and Prince Harry, and marked a significant milestone in Botswana’s history.
As Botswana looks to the future, its diamond industry is likely to remain a central part of its development story. With a focus on conservation, social responsibility, and economic development, the country is well-positioned to continue its growth and prosperity.
The U Development Fund, a youth enterprise development program, funds youth entrepreneurs.
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant conservation areas in Botswana. The delta is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and elephants, and is preserved thanks to the country’s diamond revenues.
Conservation Efforts
Botswana’s diamond industry has come a long way since the country gained independence in 1966. From the discovery of the Motswedi Diamond to the Okavango Blue, the country’s diamonds have been a symbol of its prosperity and growth. As the country celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, it is clear that the diamond industry will continue to play a vital role in its development story.
