De Beers rallies local banks to support the midstream
Friday, May 05, 2023 | 320 Views |
Value add: De Beers’ activities support nearly 40 local firms and about 4,000 jobs in the diamond cutting and polishing sector
De Beers’ executives recently held a diamond masterclass attended by high level officials from the country’s commercial banks, in an effort to sensitise them about the industry and the role played by financiers in better positioning Botswana globally.
The number of cutting and polishing firms in the country, who represent the diamond industry’s midstream, grew to 48 at the end of last year, from 21 in 2020 and less than five about 10 years ago.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...