President Duma Gideon Boko vows to stop the export of unprocessed minerals from Botswana
Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko has declared a firm commitment that “No minerals will leave Botswana unprocessed,” aligning with a growing campaign across Africa to ensure that mineral resources are locally refined and value-added before export.
This initiative aims to maximize economic benefits, create jobs, and enhance industrial development within African countries.
President Boko emphasized that no diamond will leave Botswana in its raw form; all will be cut and polished domestically. Similarly, copper concentrate will not be exported without undergoing local value addition. This policy reflects Botswana’s determination to move away from exporting raw materials, which often yield minimal returns, toward building a more robust, self-reliant economy.
This move is part of a broader continental trend where countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Ghana are implementing policies to nationalize their mineral resources and reduce dependence on foreign corporations. By processing minerals locally, these countries aim to retain more wealth, foster sustainable development, and empower their citizens economically.
President Boko’s announcement underscores Botswana’s leadership role in this transformative movement to harness Africa’s mineral wealth for the continent’s long-term prosperity.
“No diamond will leave this country raw, all will be cut and polished here. No copper concentrate will be exported without local value addition,” he said.
This comes at the backdrop of emerging campaign sweeping through Africa. Prior to this date, countries across the continent export minerals at raw value, earning meagre returns.
However, some countries have started taking steps to nationalize their resources to benefit their citizens. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have already made bold statements and policies. Ghana is another example as the country has sacked many foreign corporations from its Gold market.
