Botswana cannot do it alone – De Beers’ chairperson

Anglo American chief executive Mark Cutifani, who is also the De Beers group chairperson, said Botswana, which had been for long seeking to diversify its economy beyond dependence on diamond mining, cannot do it alone.
The southern African country was vulnerable to shifts in the global diamond market.
Making his keynote address at the Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM)’s 13th national business conference held in the capital, Gaborone last Monday, Cutifani said that the country needs to attract foreign direct investment, to offer equitable returns to all parties.
He said Anglo American and De Beers were “wholeheartedly” committed to building upon their existing partnership with Gaborone.  
“As Botswana, the next step would then be to invite the world to meet and get to know you. Open up to global markets and be attractive to investment,” he said.
“Fully explore this country’s potential for business opportunities beyond your borders. Think about what your neighbours around you are doing, and have the courage to act and hold onto your convictions.”
Cutifani said Botswana had shown throughout its history that it had the will, the capability and the experience to succeed.
“History has shown that true wealth and prosperity is best created in an open society where business can fully exist conscious both of opportunities and responsibilities,” he said.
“For the wider common purpose and collective good in Botswana, I hope we can all put our shoulders to the plough and create the right fertile environment for growth.”

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished