Policy options Botswana could pursue to capture more value
The current deal is a relic of a pre-synthetic, pre-internet monopoly era. In a world where De Beers’ market share has shrunk from 90% to around 30%, Botswana no longer needs a guardian; it needs a logistics partner. Policy options Botswana could pursue to capture more
The raw deal is not just about money. It is about control. For 60 years, a nation blessed with the world’s hardest gem has been treated like a soft touch. As President Masisi told Parliament last month: "We are not asking for a favor. We are taking what is ours." Botswana no longer needs a guardian