Botswana's President Ian Khama - 'Diamonds Are Not Forever'

analysis

In 1966 Botswana was one of the least developed and poorest nations in the world, its per capita income then just $83. By the turn of the 21st century, Botswana's per capita GDP, at $7,300, was 15% greater than its powerful neighbour, South Africa. All of that even as, according to president Ian Khama, South Africa has stifled attempts at industrialisation of the neighbouring states By GREG MILLS.

Just a few kilometres from the new Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone is De Beers Global Sightholder Sales, previously known as the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), a sorting, valuation and sales centre handling, in 2014, more than 32-million carats (worth more than $7-billion) of the company's production for global distribution.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.