Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Botswana Stock Exchange Group (BSE), operator of the Botswana Mercantile Exchange, to strengthen Botswana's access to global commodity markets by connecting its emerging commodities exchange with Dubai's international trading, finance and logistics ecosystem.
The partnership establishes Africa's first sister-hub trading corridor between Dubai and Gaborone, supporting Botswana's economic diversification agenda and ambitions to increase the global reach and value of its commodity exports.
It also seeks to establish a dedicated and physical Botswana presence within DMCC's commodity ecosystem.
The collaboration will support the international trading of Botswana-origin commodities – including diamonds, copper, coal, soda ash, critical minerals, beef and agricultural products – through closer cooperation across market access, trade finance, logistics, vaulting, digital infrastructure, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
One of the first initiatives under the agreement will connect the Okavango Diamond Company and the Dubai Diamond Exchange through coordinated diamond tenders, creating a direct commercial link between Botswana's diamond production and Dubai.
The first commercial tenders are expected in late 2026.
“This partnership represents an important step in Botswana's journey to maximise value from our mineral and broader commodity resources,” said Botswana minerals and energy minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo.
“Our collaboration with DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group strengthens the ecosystem needed to connect Botswana's world-class commodities including diamonds, copper and critical minerals to international markets.”
DMCC executive chairperson and chief executive Ahmed Bin Sulayem said new investment opportunities will be created as a result of the combination of Botswana's production strengths and Dubai's world-leading trade, finance and logistics ecosystem.
BSE chairperson Neo Mooki said the partnership marks a transformative milestone for Botswana as a commodity producer and reinforces their ambition to position the Botswana Mercantile Exchange as a significant player in the commodities space.
The two organisations will also explore the use of DMCC's digital financial infrastructure, including DMCC FinX, to improve access to trade finance.
The agreement was signed in Singapore following the 41st World Diamond Congress.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
