Helping to create a ripple effect across Botswanas economy
Tuesday, May 09, 2017
The story of De Beers’ partnership with Government has been told many times before. We are rightly proud of the part we have been able to play in supporting Botswana’s leaders in developing the nation, but we recognise that we need to do more to create an even bigger economic ripple effect.
As a business that has so many touchpoints with different parts of Botswana society, simply contributing through royalties, dividends, taxes and employment is not enough for us. We need to look constantly for ways in which we can embed the opportunity for further economic development and diversification.
The A1 highway, stretching from Ramatlabama to Ramokgwebana, is the backbone of Botswana's transport network. It carries passenger buses, private vehicles, haulage trucks and cross-border commercial traffic linking Botswana with other SADC countries. Yet, despite its strategic importance, the road remains narrow, congested and increasingly dangerous.Successive governments have acknowledged the need to upgrade the A1 into a dual carriageway....