President Duma Boko is in Angola where he and his counterpart President João Lourenço have been engaged in a glitter‑charged meeting that could reshape the diamond trade. Among other shared areas of concern, the two leaders spent time hammering out a pact to defend natural diamonds against the rising tide of synthetics.
Together, Botswana and Angola pump nearly 30 percent of the world’s rough diamonds into the market, which is a colossal share, yet both economies now face a cheeky rival in lab‑grown stones that are cheaper, faster, and flooding shelves from China to New York. Lourenço did not mince words, declaring that “diamond is only diamond when it is natural.” He further warned that the lab‑made imposters were threatening jobs, revenues, and the very prestige of Africa’s most glittering export.
Boko backed him up with a promise of a “robust marketing campaign” to remind the world that Botswana’s stones are the real deal. For a country where diamonds bankroll schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, the stakes could not be higher. In Botswana, synthetic stones are not just a nuisance; they are a direct swipe at livelihoods. Every polished gem carries the weight of miners, cutters, and communities who depend on the trade.
The two leaders also hinted at a bigger issue of De Beers. Anglo American put the legendary diamond giant up for sale in 2024, and Botswana already owns 15 percent. Angola has now signaled it wants in. Lourenço argued it is only fair that Africa’s top producers sit at the shareholder table, while Boko shared thst negotiations have been “sensitive and delicate.”
Beyond diamonds, the Luanda visit stretched into beef, oil, defence, and even conservation tourism. Botswana’s prized beef exports caught Angola’s eye, while both sides signed cooperation agreements covering energy and livestock. Boko also joined the Angola‑Botswana Business Forum, scouting investment opportunities and partnerships. He was also invited to Benguela to tour the Lobito Refinery, a project Angola has openly invited Botswana to join after expression of interest.
