Botswana and the New Era of Diamonds

When people think of diamonds in Southern Africa, their minds often drift to the 1800s—a time of frenzied mining in Kimberly, where European figures like Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato laid the foundation for the modern diamond industry. But the Botswana diamonds story is different. It began later, and that delay, as history would have it, turned out to be our greatest advantage.

A Different Beginning

While much of Southern Africa’s diamond wealth was extracted under colonial rule, Botswana’s major diamond discoveries occurred after the country had gained independence in 1966. As a former British protectorate—not a colony—Botswana had more sovereignty and more leverage in structuring its natural resource agreements.

When diamonds were discovered in Orapa just a few years after independence, the young republic negotiated a joint venture with De Beers on a 50-50 basis. It was an unprecedented move. Rather than simply exporting raw materials, Botswana became a co-owner of its diamond value chain. That deal, built on strategic foresight and timing, would power the country’s transformation for decades.

Botswana Diamonds Built This Nation

Over the last half-century, Botswana has been a global success story in the responsible management of natural resources. Revenues from Botswana diamonds have funded roads, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across the country. It is one of the few nations in the world to successfully convert mineral wealth into long-term national development.

The country’s stable governance, sound economic policies, and partnership with De Beers set a global benchmark. Botswana showed what was possible when a nation negotiated from a position of dignity and purpose.

The End of the Old Era

But times are changing.

The global diamond syndicate—once tightly controlled by De Beers—is evolving. Market control is decentralized. Lab-grown diamonds are reshaping consumer habits. Trade tensions and tariffs (like those recently impacting Indian diamond exports) are disrupting traditional flows and forcing companies to rethink their strategies.

The dynamics that once made the 50-50 joint venture a golden goose are no longer guaranteed. Botswana, like the rest of the industry, is entering a new era—one where added value, brand ownership, and market differentiation matter more than raw extraction.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As the old system fades, a new opportunity emerges. This new era requires new thinking.

• Invest in value addition: Cutting, polishing, and designing finished jewelry here in Botswana. This has progressively been happening over the past few years.
• Build global consumer trust: Tell the story of mined Botswana diamonds—their ethical origin, their positive impact, and their unmatched beauty. Tell a story of a billion years.
• Sell direct to market: Leverage digital tools and e-commerce to reach buyers globally. Aggressive, innovative marketing is required.
• Market ownership & our narrative: Create Botswana-based diamond brands that speak directly to global consumers. Shift from supplier to storyteller, from exporter to brand. That’s how De Beers created the market in the first place. Not just a stone.

At Kgale Diamonds, we believe this is not a time to fear change—it’s a time to embrace it. Botswana’s diamond story is far from over. It’s evolving.

We Are Ready for the New Era

We stand on the shoulders of those who negotiated wisely in our past. Now it’s our turn to craft the next chapter—one defined by innovation, ownership, and opportunity. At Kgale Diamonds, we believe the future lies in reclaiming and redefining what Botswana diamonds stand for. What do you say?

We are no longer just miners of diamonds.
We are curators of our legacy.
And architects of the next era.]

This piece was written by Bashanganyi Magwape.