Botswana Targets 18 Million Carats to Revive Diamond Economy

Facing a sharp downturn in global demand, Botswana is pivoting toward aggressive expansion. Debswana, the joint venture between the state and De Beers, plans to boost its annual diamond output by 20% this year, betting that increased volume will stabilize a national economy strained by recent market volatility.

Editorial·June 24, 2026·reads: 535

Botswana Targets 18 Million Carats to Revive Diamond Economy

The company intends to scale production from the 15 million carats recorded last year to a target of 18 million by 2026. This move marks a decisive reversal from earlier strategies, which saw the firm implement production cuts to manage the impact of weak international interest in luxury stones.

Managing Director Andrew Motsumi confirmed that the firm is simultaneously overhauling its internal structure to secure long-term viability. By streamlining operations, Debswana aims to slash annual operating costs by 33% before 2028. Central bank officials view this dual approach of higher output and leaner management as the primary lever to insulate the country’s fiscal health from further global market instability.