Botswana’s economic prospects have dimmed further as the Ministry of Finance cut its growth forecast for 2025 to a mere 0.4 percent, weighed down by sluggish global demand for diamonds and rising external pressures. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) paints a grimmer picture, predicting a contraction in the economy next year and warning of worsening fiscal and current account deficits driven by declining mineral revenues and shrinking inflows from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU)....

Botswana is escalating its campaign to remove tariffs imposed by the United States on its diamond exports and other critical commodities. The government regards the elimination of these duties as vital to restoring the nation’s competitiveness in global markets. Officials have committed to sustained negotiations until all trade barriers are fully lifted. Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo emphasised that securing tariff removal remains a foremost priority, asserting that the continuation of these levies undermines...

French nuclear powerhouse Orano, backed by the state, is making a bold move to reshape the global nuclear energy landscape by turning its attention to Botswana’s mineral-rich plains. This shift aims to protect Orano’s supply chain from the political unrest rocking West Africa while tapping into a global surge in nuclear energy demand that’s pushing uranium prices to heights not seen in a decade. For years, Orano, formerly known as Areva, leaned heavily on its...

Botswana stands out as one of Africa’s most stable and well-managed economies, with its mining sector continuing to serve as a cornerstone for national development and a magnet for investor interest. The industry remains vital to the country’s economic growth, positioning Botswana as a strategic hub for both regional and international players. For South African companies specializing in mining services, engineering, and technical support, Botswana offers a natural extension due to its geographic proximity and...

Standard Chartered Botswana delivered a robust financial performance for the full year 2025, successfully navigating a challenging economic landscape while reinforcing its commitment to long-term shareholder value. The bank surpassed its Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) target of 25%, achieving a notable 26% despite persistent market pressures. Total income for the year declined 11% year-over-year to P950.8 million. Net interest income contracted sharply by 13%, while non-funded income dipped slightly by 1%, accounting for 20.8%...

Lucara Diamond Corp. has successfully raised a US$350 million senior secured bond to refinance existing liabilities and expedite the development of its flagship Karowe Underground Project in Botswana. The five-year bond, priced at a fixed 12.5% interest rate, supersedes the company’s prior US$220 million project finance facilities. This strategic refinancing aims to bolster liquidity and ensure the project remains on schedule for full underground production. Proceeds from the bond have been deployed to retire the...

Botswana’s economy suffered a significant contraction in the final quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a steep decline in the mining sector. According to the latest data from Statistics Botswana, real gross domestic product fell 5.4 percent year-on-year during this period. The downturn reflects persistent challenges from weak global demand for diamonds and broader sectoral slowdowns. The mining and quarrying industry took the hardest hit, with value added plunging nearly 47 percent in the fourth...

Botswana Minerals has initiated the first phase of its copper exploration program in Ngamiland, a largely untapped region in northwestern Botswana. The company, listed both in London and Botswana, is concentrating its efforts on licenses within the northeastern extension of the Damara Belt, an area widely regarded for its substantial mineral potential. Early-stage activities will focus on refining and prioritizing high-value targets while developing geophysical strategies to inform subsequent drilling campaigns. Phase 1 aims to...

Botswana has obtained a $170 million loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development aimed at reinforcing economic resilience and ensuring fiscal stability. This loan is part of a larger $890 million financing package approved during the OPEC Fund’s 195th Governing Board meeting. The infusion of capital is designed to foster inclusive growth and broaden opportunities for local businesses, with a particular emphasis on enterprises led by youth and women. The funding will enhance Botswana’s...