A ‘tarrific’ opportunity for Botswana

Friday, September 05, 2025 | 370 Views |

Gleaming: Minerals and Energy minister, Bogolo Kenewendo, admires a local diamond
during a visit to the Gemological Institute of America’s local branch recently PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

The global diamond world is scrambling to rearrange its traditional cutting and polishing channels amidst the disruption brought by U.S tariffs and Botswana could inadvertently become the biggest winner.

India, which accounts for 90% of cutting and polishing activities in the industry, presently has one of the highest tariffs for entry to the US at 50%, while another major centre China, has equally been hit at about 30%.

Other diamond centres such as Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Israel, all have a range of tariffs from 17% down to 10%, while Botswana is set at 15%.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

diamonds

Botswana pins economic hopes on new commercial court

Larona Makhaiza | 8 h ago

Selefu

Larona Makhaiza | 10 h ago

CCA settles with Hollard; case proceeds vs BIC, Old Mutual

Mbongeni Mguni | 15 h ago

Gaolathe engages Dangote

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

Fresh audit exposes COVID spending chaos

Mbongeni Mguni | 2d ago

Selefu

joey kambai | 1d ago

DPP strengthens response to GBV cases

Mpho Mokwape | 1d ago

AAB marks 30 years with bold vision

Kabelo Boranabi | 2d ago

Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

The Monitor Editor | 28 April 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

A ‘tarrific’ opportunity for Botswana

The global diamond world is scrambling to rearrange its traditional cutting and polishing channels amidst the disruption brought by U.S tariffs and Botswana could inadvertently become the biggest winner.

Explore

More

Botswana pins economic hopes on new commercial court

Selefu

CCA settles with Hollard; case proceeds vs BIC, Old Mutual

Gaolathe engages Dangote

Fresh audit exposes COVID spending chaos

Selefu

DPP strengthens response to GBV cases

AAB marks 30 years with bold vision

Justice delayed is trust denied