Mmegi

Should Botswana buy a bigger stake in De Beers?

Going deeper: Jwaneng Mine is due for a $6 billion underground expansion. Whoever owns De Beers will be expected to contribute funding PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Going deeper: Jwaneng Mine is due for a $6 billion underground expansion. Whoever owns De Beers will be expected to contribute funding PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

A bigger stake in De Beers would fulfil Botswana’s dream of controlling the diamond industry from mine to market and the company’s valuation is possibly at its cheapest ever.

A bigger stake in De Beers would fulfil Botswana’s dream of controlling the diamond industry from mine to market and the company’s valuation is possibly at its cheapest ever. However, a larger stake also means shouldering more for projects such as the $6bn Jwaneng Underground. MBONGENI MGUNI writes

With Anglo American’s 85% stake in De Beers up for grabs and the sale process heating up, all eyes are on the other shareholder in the diamond group, the Government of Botswana.

Editor's Comment
Warm relations must not come at the expense of fair trade

“I believe that free but fair trade isan absolute imperative”– John E. JamesFor two countries bound by geography, history and deep economic ties, periods of diplomatic strain serve neither side well. President Duma Boko’s efforts to restore momentum to relations with Pretoria deserve recognition, particularly at a time when Southern Africa faces shared challenges ranging from sluggish economic growth and unemployment to energy security...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up