Botswana President Challenges De Beers for Control Over Diamond Mining
Botswana's president is engaged in a strategic battle with De Beers over control of the country's diamond mining operations. This move is part of a broader trend of resource nationalism, where countries seek greater control over their natural resources. The president's efforts are aimed at capturing more value from the diamond supply chain, which is currently dominated by multinational corporations. The government is pursuing a bid to acquire an 85% stake in De Beers, with a deadline set for April 16, 2026. This acquisition is seen as a way to enhance Botswana's economic sovereignty and increase its share of the profits from diamond mining.