Botswana and one other: De Beers’ race heats up

Renowned diamond industry expert, Sheila Khama, says Angola’s proposal for a regional partnership to takeover De Beers, is not advisable.

“The idea’s pan-African undertones may resonate with some but is easier said than done,” she wrote in an opinion piece she shared with Mmegi this week. “Consider different legal systems, divergence national development goals, and politics. “Given the idea is driven by a financial sponsor and not national strategies, countries risk derailment by having to follow the vision of the sponsor. “It is too simplistic and short on details including why the Minister is inviting his counterparts through a press statement and not diplomatic channels.”