Botswana has been ranked the most attractive mining investment destination in Africa and seventh globally, according to the Fraser Institute’s Investment Attractiveness Index.
President Duma Boko announced this during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), attributing the ranking to deliberate reforms aimed at strengthening Botswana’s competitiveness as a global mining destination.
Boko also highlighted the operationalisation of the Exploration Investment Company Botswana (EICB), which is expected to strengthen the country’s direct participation in mineral investment, de-risk exploration projects and mobilise private and strategic capital for resource development.
Meanwhile, Botswana has received an initial P1 billion annual payment from De Beers Group towards the P10 billion Diamonds for Development Fund (D4D), marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to diversify its mineral sector beyond diamonds.
Implemented this year through Botswana’s longstanding partnership with De Beers, the fund is governed by an independent board and is intended to support a new chapter in the country’s economic development.
The President said the initiatives form part of broader efforts to transform the mineral sector and unlock greater value from Botswana’s natural resources.
