Botswana and De Beers have finalized a landmark 10-year diamond sales agreement, strengthening a partnership that has shaped the global diamond industry for decades.
Why is this deal significant? Botswana is the world’s leading diamond producer by value and relies on diamonds for 80% of its exports and 25% of its GDP. The new agreement secures a greater share of diamond sales for the country while reinforcing De Beers’ long-term presence in this key market.
Key aspects of the agreement
✅ Increased share for Botswana – the government’s share of Debswana’s diamond sales will rise from 25% to 30% for the first five years, then 40% for the next five. If extended, Botswana could reach 50% ownership.
✅ Extended mining licenses – De Beers secures mining rights in Botswana until 2054, ensuring continued access to some of the world’s most valuable diamonds.
✅ Economic diversification – the new “Diamonds for Development Fund” will support Botswana’s growth, job creation, and economic diversification, aligning with the country’s Vision 2036.
What this means for De Beers & the diamond industry
🔹 Long-term security – securing mining rights until 2054 provides stability for De Beers and its Sightholders.
🔹 Continued market leadership – even with Botswana increasing independent sales, De Beers retains 60% of Debswana’s production for at least the next decade.
🔹 Supply chain stability – in an era of synthetic diamonds and geopolitical shifts, this deal reinforces De Beers’ dominance in natural diamonds.
🔹 Stronger government relations – a cooperative approach ensures regulatory stability and long-term collaboration.
🔹 Market confidence – by securing a structured, long-term deal, De Beers helps maintain global diamond market stability and prestige.
As a De Beers Sightholder, VD Global welcomes this agreement and the continued partnership between Botswana and De Beers, ensuring a bright future for the natural diamond industry.
ABOUT VDG
For over 50 years and three generations, De Beers Sightholder VD Global (VDG) has been a trusted partner to the world’s leading luxury houses, delivering ethically sourced, fully traceable natural diamonds.
Committed to responsible practices and aligned with global sustainability goals, VDG specializes in calibrated sizes, matched sets, and fancies, bringing excellence from mine to market.
With headquarters in India and a presence in major markets worldwide, including Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, VDG combines global reach with localized service. The company leverages advanced platforms such as Tracr and Sarine Technologies to provide traceability, even at the smallest scale.
Get in touch to learn more about our traceability solutions, sustainable sourcing, and direct-to-retailer services.
First published on LinkedIn
Image credit: A 2,492-carat diamond on show in Gaborone, Botswana (AP)
