The Presidents of Angola and Botswana reaffirmed on Tuesday, 8 September, their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation to counter the growing threat posed by synthetic diamonds to the natural diamond market — a strategic sector for both economies.
Regarded as two of Africa’s largest diamond producers and among the leading producers globally, Angola and Botswana have placed the fight against synthetic diamonds at the top of their bilateral cooperation agenda. The issue featured prominently during the three-day state visit by Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, to Angola.
In a joint declaration, both heads of state underscored the importance of deepening cooperation in the diamond sector, which they described as strategically vital to their respective economies.
Angolan President João Lourenço stated that ‘Angola and Botswana are the largest producers on the continent and among the largest global producers of natural diamonds’ — or ‘the real diamond’, as Botswana’s head of state put it.
‘But this industry, which generates substantial revenues for us, is being threatened by the sudden emergence of so-called synthetic diamonds — diamonds made in a laboratory, not from nature,’ said João Lourenço, adding that ‘they are cheaper, and because they are cheaper, demand for these synthetic stones has grown so large that it seriously threatens the commercialisation of our diamonds.’
China is currently the world’s largest producer of synthetic diamonds.
‘We will work hand in hand to continue promoting the value of our diamonds, since they provide employment for our people, our youth, and generate revenues that can be invested in social programmes, health, education, and infrastructure, so that we can develop our countries,’ Lourenço declared.
For his part, President Boko said Botswana ‘is focused on a robust marketing campaign’ aimed at demonstrating that what the country offers ‘is something of genuine value.’
As part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the global diamond market, Angola reiterated its interest in becoming a shareholder in De Beers, the British diamond mining and trading company.
‘We are working with all stakeholders, including Botswana, which is already a shareholder. Any understanding we reach with Botswana will facilitate Angola achieving the objective of holding a meaningful stake in De Beers’ capital,’ said João Lourenço. According to the Angolan president, such a shareholding would allow the country to ‘better control not only the production but also the commercialisation of natural diamonds.’
Botswana’s president confirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Angola, but noted that negotiations over a potential stake in De Beers are ‘sensitive and delicate.’ Boko indicated that developments would be announced at the appropriate time.
Boko also expressed Botswana’s interest in becoming a shareholder in the Lobito Refinery project in Angola. In response, João Lourenço said that ‘the entry can happen whenever Botswana wishes, at any time.’
The meeting between the two heads of state concluded with the signing of two cooperation agreements and a memorandum of understanding, prepared by ministerial delegations during prior meetings. The instruments cover the sectors of defence, oil and energy, and livestock.
Angola wants to strengthen cooperation with Botswana
Botswana is one of the leading producers and exporters of beef — a position that Angola regards with interest, according to Lourenço. The Angolan president also called for strengthened bilateral cooperation ‘in the area of conservation tourism, within the framework of the large transnational project known as KAZA, which encompasses several countries,’ including Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Also during the state visit, President Boko is participating in the Angola-Botswana Business Economic Forum, which brings together public and private sector representatives from both countries to identify new investment opportunities, establish business partnerships, and expand bilateral trade relations. On Wednesday, the Botswanan leader is scheduled to travel to the province of Benguela, where he is expected to visit the Lobito Refinery.
On the political and diplomatic front, Angola and Botswana share converging positions on issues related to peace, security, and stability in Southern Africa, particularly within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which both countries are members.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/09/mundo/africa/angola-e-botsuana-unem-se-para-proteger-industria-de-diamantes-da-concorrencia-sintetica/
