Mmegi

Anglo exit: What it means for Botswana

New pathways: De Beers' shareholding is set to change
New pathways: De Beers' shareholding is set to change

Anglo American’s decision to "divest or demerge" from De Beers, after a 98-year partnership, means government has to decide whether to increase its shareholding in the diamond group while also bracing for the entry of a new partner.

This morning, Anglo American – which became De Beers' 85% equity investor in 2012 when founding family – the Oppenheimers divested – announced that it was looking to exit its investment in the diamond group as part of a strategic review of assets.

Anglo in February said it was reviewing its global assets after its 2023 profits fell 94%, with a $1.6 billion impairment charge on De Beers due to the double digit fall in retail diamond prices and demand suffered last year.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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