Botswana Minute.
Friday, 16 October 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 16 October 2026
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Botswanan press · Organization

Debswana

Government-De Beers joint venture pursuing diversification and supporting citizen enterprises amid Botswana's economic transition from mining dependence.

2026-04-282026-10-16

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Mmegi

    … country's premier B2B procurement platform connects SMEs with SADC buyers.Now in its 10th year, the fair, which is the brainchild of Vuyiswa Mojela, features curated "Deal Rooms".This segment arranges pre-scheduled meetings between suppliers and procurement leaders from Debswana …

    Boko to officiate Trade Up North
  3. Daily News Botswana

    Debswana has invested P1.7 million at Mmalekwa Cultural Heritage Site, through the development of a heritage centre. …

    Debswana invests P1.7 million on Mmalekwa Trust
  4. Weekend Post

    … Despite setbacks in 2025, diamond production is showing signs of revival, supported by increased output targets from Debswana, the joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers. …

    Mining sector rebounds in Q1 2026
  5. Weekend Post

    Mining giant Debswana is set to reduce costs by P3 billion as it confronts a deepening global diamond downturn that is squeezing revenues and reshaping the industry. …

    Debswana to cut costs by P3 Billion
  6. Mmegi

    Debswana’s Ya Masa strategy, covering the years 2025 to 2029, officially marks the diamond giant’s first expansion in mandate since it was established 57 years ago.Under the strategy, Debswana intends to rebuild its core diamond business, but also leverage the untapped commercial …

    Grim realities behind Debswana’s birthday cheer
  7. Daily News Botswana

    … Speaking on Monday at the Future of Mining Summit, themed: Mining for Transformation: Economic Diversification and Shared Prosperity, Mr Mogakolodi Maoketsa, General Manager of Debswana Orapa and Damtshaa Mines, emphasised that the mining sector’s significant procurement power pr …

    Mining Catalyst for import substitution
  8. June 2026
  9. Botswana Sunday Standard

    … Powered by Debswana, which is the world’s leading diamond producer by value and volume, this year’s championship promises unprecedented excitement. …

    African Chess Kings and Queens Fight for the Crown in Jwaneng
  10. Weekend Post

    … Holding access to 25 percent of Debswana’s run-of-mine production, ODC is one of the country’s most influential diamond marketing institutions. …

    ODC’s expansion in India sparks transparency concerns
  11. May 2026
  12. Daily News Botswana

    … Additionally, he said it pioneered issuance of the first-ever Mining SLT to Debswana and became the first to allocate land utilising the Land Information System (LIS) through the Geo-Spatial Information Centre (GSIC), successfully hosted a visiting Ugandan delegation in 2024 and …

    New land-use policies target FMD crisis
  13. Daily News Botswana

    … Mogae tried to broker peace by calling parties to his office: unbeknownst while the union honored the call, the mining company, Debswana’s lawyer, Parks Tafa, was at the labour court to interdict the strike. …

    Festonomics - How Festus Mogaes Economics Policy Shaped Botswanas Development Legacy
Sport

Botswana prepares to host 2027 TAFISA World Congress

The News

As Botswana readies to host the 30th TAFISA World Congress in 2027, the Ministry of Sports and Arts is establishing a satellite account to measure the economic impact of sporting events. Officials and corporate partners have called for data-driven investment strategies and legacy initiatives that extend beyond sponsorship to create lasting community benefits aligned with development goals.

14 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. Botswana prepares to host 2027 TAFISA World Congress

    As Botswana readies to host the 30th TAFISA World Congress in 2027, the Ministry of Sports and Arts is establishing a satellite account to measure the economic impact of sporting events. Officials and corporate partners have called for data-driven investment strategies and legacy initiatives that extend beyond sponsorship to create lasting community benefits aligned with development goals.

    14 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Botswana's diamond recovery raises diversification urgency

    After a severe slump, Botswana's diamond industry has recovered—the economy expanded 3.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and rough-diamond output surged in the second. Acting president and finance minister Ndaba Gaolathe has urged the country to use this reprieve to diversify away from dependence on diamonds, steering capital toward farms, factories, and tourism rather than relying on another diamond-market recovery.

    8 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. De Beers reports natural-diamond prices stabilizing and beginning to rise

    De Beers CEO Al Cook said natural-diamond prices have stabilized and begun to grow after years of decline, attributing the shift to stronger demand in the United States and India and shrinking supply as aging mines close and companies limit investment. The improvement comes as the industry faces weak Chinese demand, excess inventories, and competition from laboratory-grown diamonds.

    8 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Debswana Fun Run promotes mental health awareness tomorrow

    Debswana is hosting a fun run tomorrow at 5:30am at the Debswana Corporate Centre with routes of 5km, 10km and 21km to promote physical health and raise awareness about mental health under the theme Lived Experience Heard.

    8 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 28 September

  1. Botswana's diamond recovery stirs but masks deeper questions

    Botswana's diamond industry has rebounded after a slump, with the economy expanding 3.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and rough-diamond output surging in the second. However, acting president and finance minister Ndaba Gaolathe warned against treating the recovery as a transformation, calling for investment in farms, factories, and tourism rather than reliance on diamond market fluctuations.

    28 September 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Dr Adesina leads Diamonds for Development fund to diversify economy

    With Botswana's diamond-dependent economy contracting 3 percent in 2024 as prices softened, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former African Development Bank president, now heads the Diamonds for Development Fund to marshal capital for diversification, exports, and jobs—pledging the fund will not finance "Mickey Mouse projects."

    28 September 2026 · Weekend Post →

Thursday 24 September

  1. Botswana navigates post-diamond economic diversification challenges

    Botswana's economy, built on diamond revenues for nearly six decades, faces a critical shift as global diamond markets decline since 2024. Debswana, the government-De Beers joint venture, is pursuing a new transformational strategy to build a sustainable, diversified future beyond mining.

    24 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 21 September

  1. Botswana reviews De Beers stake purchase deadline approaching

    The Botswana government is nearing completion of its review of Anglo American's proposed sale of its 85 percent De Beers stake, with due diligence expected to conclude by end of September. Botswana must then decide whether to join the preferred bidder, exercise pre-emption rights to buy the stake at a reported price of about $1 billion, or pursue another ownership structure, with transaction closure possible in the fourth quarter of 2026.

    21 September 2026 · Weekend Post →

Thursday 3 September

  1. Rakops community raises P62,000 to revamp junior secondary school

    Residents of Rakops and neighbouring villages in Boteti launched a community fundraising effort to repair Rakops Junior Secondary School, which serves about 920 learners but faces deteriorating hostels, classrooms, ablution facilities, and teachers' accommodation. A 13-member committee formed by community members raised P45,000 from residents' contributions and P17,000 from a fundraising dinner.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 31 August

  1. Debswana addresses fronting in citizen empowerment programme

    After engaging external consultants to investigate widespread fronting allegations in the Citizen Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Debswana is taking action; early estimates suggest as much as 90% of participating firms were engaged in the practice. The CEEP has redirected P20 billion in Debswana procurement with the goal of creating 20,000 citizen enterprises between 2019 and 2024.

    31 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Monday 24 August

  1. Debswana links procurement ecosystem with CEDA financing

    Debswana is connecting its procurement ecosystem with CEDA's financing and enterprise-development mandate to build stronger citizen-owned businesses as Botswana seeks economic diversification beyond mining.

    24 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. First Capital Bank, Debswana partner on supplier financing

    First Capital Bank and Debswana have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide financing solutions to qualifying Debswana suppliers, helping citizen businesses bridge the gap between winning contracts and receiving payment through working capital, asset financing and term lending.

    24 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Thursday 13 August

  1. Debswana and CEDA partner to support citizen-owned businesses

    Debswana and the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency have formed an alliance to unlock opportunities for citizen-owned businesses across agriculture, manufacturing, innovation, and engineering, leveraging Debswana's operational expertise and market access to scale local enterprises and strengthen supply chains.

    13 August 2026 · Weekend Post →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Debswana and Boteti Council invest in community ranch project

    Debswana invested over P2.7 million and Boteti District Council contributed P2.3 million towards a ranch development project. The initiative, supported by Debswana since 2022, aims to empower communities through sustainable livelihoods and food security.

    5 August 2026 · Mmegi →

Monday 3 August

  1. Botswana parenting programme linked to lower child abuse

    A major BMJ Global Health study tracking over 123,000 caregivers and adolescents across eight African countries found that a parenting programme delivered in Botswana between August 2020 and April 2021 was associated with lower child abuse and better mental health outcomes.

    3 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Debswana Jwaneng Mine soccer event enters fifth edition

    The Debswana Jwaneng Mine GM's Soccer Fiesta will return July 31 to August 2 for its fifth edition, with organisers reporting rising attendance and fundraising have enabled health and education projects in communities.

    30 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. GM Soccer Fiesta tournament drives community development in Jwaneng

    The GM Soccer Fiesta, held annually in Jwaneng since 2022, has raised funds for school hostel renovations, a new clinic, and a women's football team, with surplus revenue reinvested into community projects. The fifth edition takes place July 31 to August 2.

    30 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 27 July

  1. 10th Jwaneng Bushwalk draws 6,000 hikers, boosts sport tourism

    The 10th edition of the Jwaneng Bushwalk attracted 6,000 hikers across 15km and 30km routes, with President Advocate Duma Boko and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho among attendees. The event, which began in 2014, continues to position Jwaneng as a sport tourism hub while supporting charity work and regional integration.

    27 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sunday 26 July

  1. 6,000 hikers join 10th Jwaneng Desert Bushwalk edition

    Approximately 6,000 hikers participated in the 10th Jwaneng Desert Bushwalk from Debswana Rugby Grounds, attended by President Advocate Duma Boko, the Queen of Lesotho, cabinet ministers, and other dignitaries. Proceeds from the event and associated gala dinner will support education projects including a school book drive and equipment for the Special Education Unit at Dinonyane Primary School.

    26 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 20 July

  1. Debswana to divest non-core assets under new Ya Masa strategy

    Debswana executives announced the newly launched Ya Masa strategy aims to invest in new asset classes while disposing of assets misaligned with the company's portfolio needs, including schools it currently manages.

    20 July 2026 · Mmegi →

Friday 17 July

  1. Botswana's Trade Up North fair enters 10th year in Francistown

    The Trade Up North B2B procurement platform, now in its 10th year, connects SMEs with SADC buyers and features curated "Deal Rooms" arranging meetings between suppliers and procurement leaders from major companies and government ministries. The 2026 fair will take place in Francistown at Cresta Marang Gardens.

    17 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Trade Up North fair enters tenth year in Francistown

    Botswana's premier B2B procurement platform connects SMEs with SADC buyers through curated "Deal Rooms" featuring pre-scheduled meetings with procurement leaders from major companies and government ministries. The fair, now in its tenth year, takes place in Francistown and aims to drive local content and regional integration.

    17 July 2026 · Mmegi →

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Debswana invests P1.7 million in Mmalekwa heritage centre

    Debswana has invested P1.7 million to develop a heritage centre at Mmalekwa Cultural Heritage Site in Kanye, the burial place of Bangwaketse chiefs and forefathers. The project aims to preserve local history and culture, support heritage tourism, and create economic opportunities for the community.

    14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Botswana mining sector rebounds in Q1 2026

    The Index of Mining Production rose to 82.2 in Q1 2026, up from 77.2 a year earlier, marking a 6.3 percent year-on-year increase after a difficult 2025 when diamond production declined. The quarter-on-quarter jump from 40.9 in Q4 2025 to 82.2 in Q1 2026 signals recovery in a sector critical to Botswana's economy.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 6 July

  1. Debswana to cut costs by P3 billion amid diamond downturn

    Mining giant Debswana is set to reduce costs by P3 billion as it confronts a deepening global diamond downturn that is squeezing revenues and reshaping the industry.

    6 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

Thursday 2 July

  1. Debswana launches first expansion strategy in 57 years

    Debswana's "Ya Masa" strategy for 2025–2029 marks the diamond company's first expansion in mandate since its establishment. The plan aims to rebuild its core diamond business, leverage untapped commercial opportunities including infrastructure, and venture into new sectors.

    2 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Mining sector's procurement power drives local manufacturing growth

    The Botswana Chamber of Mines and mining companies are pursuing import substitution by leveraging the sector's procurement power to support local manufacturing industries. Through initiatives including a supplier development programme with UNDP, mining companies aim to provide a market base for local manufacturers to grow and compete beyond the mining sector.

    2 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 22 June

  1. Jwaneng hosts African Individual Chess Championships with 100+ competitors

    More than one hundred chess players from 18 African countries are competing in Jwaneng for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships, running until 27 June. The event is powered by Debswana and comes during the African Chess Confederation's Golden Jubilee year.

    22 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. ODC expands diamond operations to India amid transparency questions

    Botswana's state-owned Okavango Diamond Company has extended operations into India, holding rough diamond viewing sessions in Mumbai at the Bharat Diamond Bourse Complex. The move has raised questions about the company's presence in the Indian diamond hub and why operational details remain undisclosed.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Monday 25 May

  1. Ngwaketse landboard prioritises biosecurity during FMD crisis

    The Ngwaketse landboard chairperson has called for new land-use policies to address the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the Southern region, proposing stricter biosecurity measures including protection of veterinary buffer zones and reducing land allocation turnaround times to 48 hours.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Debswana — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute