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Masisi engages LL Cool J’s wife in diamond deal

President Mokgweetsi Masisi PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
President Mokgweetsi Masisi PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

As President Mokgweetsi Masisi globe-trots to attract deep-pocketed influencers for potential investments in Botswana, the latest figure expressing interest in the country's diamonds is none other than Simone Smith, the wife of renowned US rapper LL Cool J. Masisi shared insights with the media about his encounter with Smith during one of his US trips, describing it as a "business to business potential" engagement.

“She is a jeweller of note and her main clientele are the African Americans who are committed to national diamonds. Our providence is based on our commitment to natural diamonds so we have got to grow that space,” Masisi further stated.

He emphasised the importance of growing this sector for Botswana. The President disclosed that the Botswana government initiated contact with Smith, who in turn expressed her interest in collaboration.

Editor's Comment
Time to end informal sector fronting

The Francistown Umbrella Informal Sector chairperson, David Mbulawa, has highlighted this growing concern, revealing that many local traders are using their licences to facilitate the entry of foreign goods into the market at a fee.Fronting undermines the very fabric of our local economy. It allows foreign traders to exploit the system designed to benefit Batswana, using local licences to cross borders and sell goods at prices intended for local...

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