Botswana Diversifies Mining Sector Amid Diamond Downturn. Gaborone, Botswana — 2026-02-10 Lead Paragraph: Botswana, traditionally reliant on the diamond industry, is facing significant economic challenges due to a decline in diamond demand and supply.
In response, the government is planning to diversify its mining sector by exploring the extraction of critical minerals.
The country’s diamond inventory has reached nearly double its target levels, leading to economic challenges. Diamonds account for 80% of Botswana’s exports, and despite production cuts by De Beers, global prices have remained stable. Debswana, Botswana’s main diamond company, has paused production at some mines due to the downturn in global demand.
This economic downturn has led to shrinking revenues, widening deficits, and pressure on essential services like healthcare.
The government is considering diversifying its mining sector to explore critical minerals as a response to the diamond industry’s decline.
According to regional officials, this move is aimed at securing the country’s economic future and reducing its dependence on diamonds.
The specific measures Botswana plans to take to diversify its mining sector are not yet clear. Further details are expected as the government finalizes its plans for this critical transition.
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Source: Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
