16 Jan 2025

Guinea Bissau is set to benefit from Botswana’s expertise and support in the harnessing of its mineral resources, says President General Umaro Sissoco Embalo during his state visit to Botswana.

After touring the Diamond Trading Company-Botswana (DTCB) on the final day of his two-day visit, President Embalo emphasised the importance of collaboration.

“We are going to work closely with Botswana on how we can exploit our minerals,” he said.

He expressed enthusiasm about his diamond experience in Botswana, highlighting the potential economic impact of the gem.

“It is more important to have diamonds than oil,” President Embalo remarked, following a discussion on the value of raw diamonds.

DTCB, a joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers Group, specialises in sorting and valuing rough diamonds from Debswana Diamond Company.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo briefed President Embalo and his delegation on the significance of DTCB, calling it Botswana’s flagship diamond sorting and valuing company.

“The tour marks an important occasion in developing the relationship between our two countries, particularly in exploring opportunities in the mineral and energy sectors,” Ms Kenewendo said.

She expressed optimism about strengthening the ties between Botswana and Guinea Bissau in the future.

Minister Kenewendo also emphasised that Botswana’s mineral success was built upon the legacy of its visionary leaders, who recognised the importance of minerals for national benefit.

She asserted that the current leadership was dedicated to continuing this legacy, ensuring that mineral revenues were wisely invested for the benefit of the citizens.

Mr Sedireng Serumola, Managing Director of DTCB, highlighted that the company was the largest and most sophisticated rough diamond sorting and valuing operation, capable of sorting 45 million carats annually using advanced technology.

He explained that DTCB sorted diamonds by various categories, including carat, cut, clarity, and colour, sourcing diamonds from locations as far as Canada.

Furthermore, Mr Serumola shared that Botswana’s mineral policy was designed to maximise economic benefits, advocating for active participation in the entire value chain of mineral processing to foster economic activities and job creation.

He talked about challenges within the diamond market but reassured President Embalo of their commitment to overcome the hurdles.

President Embalo’s two-day state visit concluded on yesterday, marking a positive plan of  establishing stronger ties and cooperation in the mineral sector between the two countries. ENDS