Botswana’s Diamond Destiny: Time to take control
Friday, September 26, 2025 | 200 Views |
Precious soils: Jwaneng Mine remains one of the richest areas in Africa per square metre
PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
The sudden wealth pushed up the currency, strangled manufacturing, and left the country dangerously dependent on one resource. Economists later gave this syndrome a name: when resource wealth undermines the broader economy, you have Dutch Disease.
For decades, Botswana was the exception. It avoided corruption and wars. It invested in excellent health systems, in schools and infrastructure. It partly avoided the Dutch Disease. But make no mistake: it has now caught up with Botswana.
That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...