07 Oct 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has describedthe visit by Mr Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), also chairperson of the Kimberly Process (KP), as a humbling experience, emphasising the stature of the DMCC as a global hub for business, trade, and commerce that hosts over 24 000 companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations.

Speaking during a courtesy call by Mr Bin Sulayem at the Office of the President yesterday,  President Masisi acknowledged Botswana’s limited range of commodities but underscored the nation’s pride in its diamonds and beef.

He affirmed a strong desire for Botswana and its people to be recognised globally for their diamonds, even as he anticipated a future when diamond mining may come to an end. “The history will always be there,” he stated, saying it was important to  of establish connections with the DMCC. “We want to be linked with diamonds wherever they go in the world.”

President Masisi further said it was critical to create value from Botswana’s diamonds, regardless of ownership, indicating that maintaining a robust ecosystem and governance framework was crucial for this endeavour.

He stated that it was imperative to protect both the environment and the communities from which these diamonds were sourced.

Looking ahead, the President mentioned plans to collaborate with Lucara, the company that recently discovered a large diamond, to explore the possibility of showcasing it at the upcoming Dubai Diamond Conference in November.

The invitation from Mr Bin Sulayem for President Masisi to attend the conference was welcomed with enthusiasm, showcasing the positive relations between Botswana and the UAE within the framework of the Kimberly Process.

In addition to discussing diamonds, Mr Bin Sulayem expressed Dubai’s keen interest in exploring opportunities within Botswana’s beef industry. He highlighted the potential of Botswana’s meat products, particularly their appeal to markets seeking antibiotic-free and hormone-free options.

“People who love meat want cleaner options such as the ones that come from Botswana,” he remarked, referencing a visit to Botswana’s cold storage facilities in Cape Town. He reiterated his commitment to advancing the local beef industry to reach international markets, including Australia.

On the Dubai Diamond Conference, he said it would give President Masisi an opportunity to appreciate the whole diamond industry as all major players would be in attendance. He also said the conference would be around the same time as the Kimberly Process plenary and the precious metals conference.

Mr Bin Sulayem also said the KP has had a positive impact on African nations, citing Sierra Leone where he said it had added trust and transparency in their diamonds, adding that the process also worked well for the UAE. “We are the first Arab nation to join the KP and we have no history of diamonds, yet we have the tallest diamond tower in the world,” he said. ENDS