Podcast Summary: Focus on Africa – Can Botswana Continue to Depend on Its Diamond Industry?

BBC World Service | Host: Nyasha Michelle

Episode Date: October 3, 2025

Overview

This episode of the Focus on Africa podcast closely examines Botswana’s economic dependence on diamonds and the country’s plans for diversification, amidst global market downturns and US tariffs. It also features an in-depth exploration of Guinea’s surprising economic growth under military rule, and closes with a look at new global efforts against schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a major but often-overlooked African health concern.

Main Segment 1: Botswana’s Diamond Dilemma and the Push for Diversification

The Straining Diamond Industry

• Botswana, the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value, is experiencing severe strain due to dropping global demand and a sharp downturn in sales for its key company, Debswana.
• Recently, Debswana (a joint venture with De Beers) paused some mine production after a nearly 50% sales drop in the previous year.
• The US has imposed a 37% tariff on goods from Botswana, including diamonds, exacerbating economic woes.

Notable Quote

“Botswana is the world's largest producer of diamonds by value. If you're looking for the world's second largest diamond, it was found in Botswana… Diamonds have done the country very well. They've contributed to the country's income, a quarter of its GDP.”
— Waihiga Mwaura (02:52)

Economic Diversification Initiatives

• Botswana has been working to diversify away from diamond reliance, with varying levels of success. Current efforts are more urgent due to the precipitous drop in diamond revenue.
• Key alternative sectors:
  • Soda Ash Mining: Used for glass and detergent manufacturing, with enough deposits for 50 years.
  • Other Minerals: Copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and other critical minerals.
  • Tourism: Focusing on natural attractions like the Okavango Delta.
  • Agriculture: Aiming to become the “food basket” of the region.
  • Investment: Offers, e.g., citizenship in exchange for investment.
  • Value Addition: Prioritizing processing and manufacturing over raw exports.

Presidential Perspective

“We've been overly dependent on diamonds. We've taken a heavy knock… We have copper, nickel, we have cobalt, we have many other critical minerals. And we will be looking to leverage on our endowment in these regards to now begin industrialization, beneficiation, light manufacture…”
— President Douma Boko (05:01)

Challenges and Confidence in Change

• Past efforts at diversification were less urgent; dropping diamond revenues mean action is now unavoidable.
• Government revenue is down, the budget is constrained, and there’s increased pressure to deliver on promises.
• A new sovereign wealth fund has been announced to drive diversification, create jobs, and manage state companies.

Negotiating with the US

• The Botswana government is negotiating with the US for zero tariffs on diamond exports and hopes for a favorable trade deal that could set a precedent for other African countries.

“We are at an advanced stage. I think we are on the verge of reaching an agreement, and it looks like Botswana will probably be the first to conclude an agreement which will then be broadened to cover other African countries.”
— President Douma Boko (08:21)

President Boko’s Profile and Public Sentiment

• Considered among Africa’s youngest presidents (55), Harvard-trained, and regarded as personable and media-friendly.
• Faced initial public optimism; now, expectations are more measured as economic realities set in.
• Pressure is mounting to deliver on campaign promises, driving policy initiatives like the sovereign fund and new investment incentives.

“They made the promises, they got the seat. They're now in office. And I got the sense that he is a man who is pushed to make sure that he keeps to the promises that he made to the people.”
— Waihiga Mwaura (10:57)

Main Segment 2: Guinea’s Economic Growth Under Military Rule

Overview & International Perspective

• Unlike neighbors destabilized after coups, Guinea’s economy is growing despite military rule and persistent poverty.
• Recently received a "B credit rating" with a stable outlook from international markets—a sign of confidence.

Key Quote

"Guinea has had very little incentive to disrupt the economy… They maintained open relations with various political, diplomatic and economic operators."
— Beverly Ochiang (01:15, 13:25)

Factors Fueling Economic Growth

• Key advantages:
  • Presence of a large port, allowing uninterrupted international trade despite ECOWAS sanctions.
  • Continued mining production, notably of bauxite (a key ingredient for aluminum).
  • Political stability prioritized for economic credibility.
• The Simandou iron ore project is expected to further boost economic prospects, along with related infrastructure development.

“Saguenay is a leading producer of bauxite. It's… the third largest producer in the world… Bauxite is critical for aluminium… it accounts for more than 80% of Guinea's export earnings.”
— Beverly Ochiang (14:30)

Persistent Inequality Despite Mineral Wealth

• Despite high mineral exports, the wealth has not translated to broader prosperity.
  • Informal sector comprises nearly a third of the economy, making people vulnerable to shocks.
  • Low-skill jobs dominate; locals have limited access to technical or high-paying mining roles.
  • Continued poverty and inequalities, exacerbated by historical factors and occasional crises.

“There's often many assumptions made about the presence of minerals… and then the earning power of citizens… The informal sector makes up almost a third of the economy.”
— Beverly Ochiang (16:01)

Role of International Partners

• Guinea adopted a pragmatic approach, keeping doors open to China, the UAE, India, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, and Turkey.
• Government scrutiny tries to ensure environmental and social standards are met, not just open investment.

Risks to Sustainability

• While the current regime benefits from stability, another coup could be economically destabilizing.
• External shocks (e.g., commodities prices, foreign exchange constraints) could threaten progress.

Lessons for Young Africans

“In an ideal environment, a democratic environment would be able to enable high economic growth… But that hasn't really been the case… A lot of it comes down to people having socioeconomic access, whether it's jobs, whether it's water, whether it's electricity.”
— Beverly Ochiang (20:10)

Main Segment 3: Tackling Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) – Africa’s Silent Health Crisis

The Disease

• Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a major parasitic threat, infecting over 200 million globally—90% in Africa.
• Transmitted via contact with freshwater infested by snails carrying the parasite; children and communities reliant on open water sources at particular risk.

“There is what I would call passive transmission of the disease, where people don't actually go to the water sources, but they use water from such open water sources for household activities…”
— Moses Arinaitwe (01:21, 25:51)

Symptoms and Impact

• Early signs: rash, high fever, abdominal discomfort.
• Chronic infection leads to anemia, weakness, and increased vulnerability to other diseases like malaria.

Prevention and Control

• Key strategies include:
  • Provision of safe water sources to limit human contact with infested water.
  • Mass drug administration (praziquantel) in endemic communities.
  • Improved sanitation to prevent parasite eggs from reaching water bodies.
  • Community education on behavioral change.

Notable Quote & Practical Tip

“If you collect water very early in the morning… there is a minimal risk of getting infected. Even when you collect this water, put it under the sun for a prolonged time so that the parasites… die.”
— Moses Arinaitwe (25:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They [Botswana] no longer have the luxury of relying on diamond sales alone... They're quickly having to try to pivot.” — Waihiga Mwaura (02:52)
• “We want to become the food basket of the region. They want to feed their neighbors.” — Waihiga Mwaura (04:11)
• “In an ideal environment, a democratic environment would be able to enable high economic growth… But that hasn't really been the case.” — Beverly Ochiang (20:10)
• “Those who have been affected or who are likely to be affected, just need to be conscious of the activities that make them more prone to be infected.” — Nyasha Michelle (25:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Botswana’s Diamond Industry & Diversification: 01:33 – 11:03
• Guinea’s Economic Growth under Military Rule: 11:06 – 21:18
• Global Effort against Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia): 22:06 – 28:04

Conclusion

The episode highlights two major stories from the African economic and health landscapes:

• Botswana faces a critical moment as it must urgently diversify away from diamonds under international and market pressures.
• Guinea presents a more complex picture: strong economic performance amid military rule, but persistent social inequality and long-term risks.
• The spotlight on schistosomiasis underscores ongoing public health challenges and innovative approaches to prevention and community education.

The discussions throughout the episode reflect optimism but underscore the complexity of resource management, governance, and development in Africa.