Mmegi

Kenewendo sees hopeful signals in diamonds

Not an either or: Kenewendo says the economy needs both transformation and diamonds, which are beginning to sparkle again PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
Not an either or: Kenewendo says the economy needs both transformation and diamonds, which are beginning to sparkle again PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

Minerals and Energy minister, Bogolo Kenewendo, says a “brighter, more sparklier” future is ahead for diamonds, given the heavy investment by Botswana and other partners in joint marketing, as well as a warm-up in demand.

A downturn in diamond sales and associated productivity since the third quarter of 2023 has largely been responsible for two consecutive contractions in the economy. The slowdown has also deepened budget deficits, drained government savings, triggered a financial sector liquidity crunch and also accelerated a pile-up in public debt.

Responding to the 2026 Budget Speech on Monday, Kenewendo said that whilst the country needed to accelerate its transformation agenda, diamonds, as challenged as they are, continue to play a significant role in the economy.

Editor's Comment
Appeal to public transport operators to exercise caution

Those who occasionally use highways like the A1 and A3 roads will bear testimony to have experienced this firsthand as they have been overtaken by overspeeding buses. Sadly, some of the passengers are the ones who urge some bus drivers to overspeed.The result of this madness is the horrific accident that claimed lives of nine people on Sunday evening near Lechana settlement along the A1 Highway.It is reported that the incident occurred after the...

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