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- U.S health milestone celebrated

Johannes Kambai | 2d ago

Makgekgenene dismisses forced exit claims

Spira Tlhankane,Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

The night the dead tree sang again

Spira Tlhankane | 2d ago

GU reveal Tanzania ordeal: Coach punched, players attacked

Kabelo Boranabi | 2d ago

Botswana’s athletes enter the big-money era

Mqondisi Dube | 2d ago

Dinaledi chase World Cup qualification

Calistus Kolantsho | 2d ago

Gunners look to break hoodoo against Rollers

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | 2d ago

New Era bets on employability in new strategy

Larona Makhaiza | 17 Sep 2026

The Boko-led administration has to tread carefully

‘When you make peace withyourself, you make peace with the world’- Maha GhosanandaThis may come at a huge cost if not handled properly. What started off on Labour Day in Letlhakane this year, where Boko was in attendance when the militant lawyer-cum-trade unionist, Robert Rabasimane rebutted the President’s address in defence of the trade union has seemingly spiralled out of control. The issue is now creating a cat-and-mouse type of a...

Mmegi Editor | 11 September 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.