The diamond era is not enough – Boko
Spira Tlhankane | Monday October 5, 2026 10:41
Addressing the nation on Wednesday, he acknowledged that the benefits of Independence have not reached every household equally and warned that the economy can no longer depend heavily on diamonds.
Boko said the country had made significant progress since 1966, with diamond revenues helping finance education, healthcare, roads and other essential public services. However, he said the gains had not been evenly distributed, with unemployment remaining high, the economy insufficiently diversified and the country exposed to developments beyond its borders because of dependence on diamonds.
“Celebration must also make room for honesty. The benefits of Independence have not reached every household equally. Unemployment remains unacceptably high. Our economy remains insufficiently diversified, and our dependence on diamonds leaves us vulnerable to forces beyond our borders,” Boko said.
The President said these challenges could no longer be treated as distant policy concerns, as they were reflected in the everyday experiences of Batswana. He highlighted the graduate struggling to secure a first job, entrepreneurs battling limited access to finance, farmers dealing with drought and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), patients waiting for medication and families struggling with reliable water supplies.
“These are not distant policy concerns. They are the daily experiences of our people, and they must guide the current phase of government,” he said. Boko noted his administration would be judged not simply by policies, budgets and programmes, but by whether citizens could see tangible improvements in their lives. “Progress will be judged by improvements citizens can see and experience: employment opportunities, better learning, available medicines, potable water and timely public services,” he said. Boko added that Botswana's next chapter required a fundamental broadening of the economy, with government targeting sectors capable of creating employment, increasing production and strengthening the country's revenue base.
“The next chapter of our Independence requires a broader and more productive economy,” he said. He identified modern agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, energy, digital enterprise and the creative industries as areas in which Botswana must build greater capacity. Boko further also called for local businesses to be strengthened so that they can compete in larger domestic and international markets. The President said this transformation would require discipline from government, warning that the country could not pursue every initiative simultaneously.
“Government must concentrate resources on priorities that make the greatest difference, monitor implementation and address obstacles before weaknesses become entrenched. Every pula entrusted to government must serve a clear public purpose,” he pointed out. Boko placed employment, particularly opportunities for young people, at the centre of the country's economic challenge. He said government must strengthen the link between education, skills and employment while expanding technical training and creating conditions that enable businesses to invest, grow and employ more Batswana.
“Young people must have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their future,” he said. The President also called on Batswana living abroad to contribute to the country's development by bringing home ideas, expertise and partnerships developed beyond Botswana's borders. “Explore the world and learn from it. Build partnerships across borders,” he said, urging citizens abroad to carry Botswana's heritage and the spirit of Botho with them. Beyond economic diversification, Boko acknowledged a range of pressures confronting households, including persistent drought, food insecurity and weaknesses in public service delivery. He said drought continues to threaten agricultural production and food security, while some citizens face delays in accessing essential services. “We speak openly about these realities because Botswana has never advanced by avoiding difficult conversations. Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo,” Boko said.
While recognising the contribution of successive administrations to Botswana's development, Boko said the responsibility of nation-building could not be left to government alone. He paid tribute to dikgosi, political leaders, farmers, educators, health workers, public officers, members of the disciplined services, entrepreneurs, workers and community leaders who have contributed to the country over six decades. He also recognised parents and grandparents whose labour and values helped shape the Botswana of today. “Independence was achieved at a moment in history, but nation-building has required the unity and work of generations,” he said.
Boko said the country must now renew what he described as its “national covenant”, regardless of political affiliation, community, language, age or social standing. “Whatever our political affiliation, community, language, age or social standing, we share one country and one future,” he said. The President also used the anniversary to underline the importance of Botswana's cultural identity, saying indigenous languages, traditional cuisine, music, dance, craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge remain important components of the country's national identity. He said culture could also become an economic opportunity through creative industries, heritage and tourism.
Boko told young Batswana that they should not regard themselves merely as future leaders, but as partners in building the country now. “You are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. You are our partners in building Botswana today,” he said. Botswana's Diamond Jubilee also provided an opportunity for Boko to highlight regional cooperation, with the President extending a special welcome to Mozambique, which joined Botswana in celebrating the milestone. He said Botswana's progress had been supported by peace and cooperation within the region and internationally, and expressed hope that relations with Mozambique would continue to strengthen.
He called for unity and a renewed commitment to ensuring that national progress benefits every Motswana. “At 60, Botswana must honour its inheritance by ensuring that national progress reaches and benefits every Motswana. Let us celebrate the distance we have travelled, confront our challenges with courage and move forward as one people, united in purpose,” he said.