BUSINESS
BOTSWANA – One of the largest diamonds ever discovered
A new diamond was discovered in Botswana on 1 June 2021. This is the announcement made this Wednesday, June 16 by Debswana, the national diamond company. This is exactly the third largest diamond in the history of natural resources in the world. This marvel of 1098 carats will contribute to the revival of the economy of this southern African country whose diamond exports represent 90%.
Lynette Armstrong, the director of Debswana, the Botswana diamond company, announced this Wednesday, June 16, 2021 that the third largest diamond in the world’s history was discovered on June 1 in Jwaneng, the richest mine in the world in value. Although the price of this precious new pearl is not yet estimated, it “brings hope to a nation in difficulty,” the director said. Indeed, the diamond company whose shares are held by the government and the South African diamond company, De Beers, contribute strongly to the economic life of the country.Already in 2019, it had produced 23.3 million carats. Production was relatively revised downwards due to the health crisis, which rose to 16.6 million carats in 2020. The company, after a wide consultation, will evaluate the price of this new diamond in the exclusive interest of the Botswana population.Debswana will work with the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers to evaluate and sell the diamond to ensure it brings maximum benefits to the people of Botswana,” said company spokesperson Rachel Mothibatsela.
The new diamond was presented to the head of state of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi in the capital, Gaborone. He was pleased that such a discovery was taking place in his country and hoped that the economic benefits would match the hope of this third largest diamond in the world.
Botswana is ranked first in Africa in terms of diamond production and exports. In 2020, the revenues generated by the sale of this precious pearl are estimated at $2.1 billion, or 30% less than in 2019 due to the pandemic that caused the suspension of activities in the mines. It should also be remembered that the more than 3100 carat cullinan is the name of the largest diamond in the world. It was discovered in 1905 in South Africa. The following 1109 carats was dug up in 2015 in Bostwana, precisely in the Karowe mine, located in the north-east of the country.
The presidency of Togo has announced that the project to exploit the manganese mine of Nayega, located in the Savanes region in the north of the country, is entering its operational phase. According to a statement issued on June 10, 2025, production is scheduled to start at the end of June 2025, with an initial volume of 4,000 tons per month, which should gradually double to reach 8,000 tons per month.
Keras Resources is the technical partner retained by the Togolese government to carry out this project. A statement from Keras, relayed by the presidency, details that the company signed a cooperation agreement in 2023 with the Togolese state, owner of the mine through the Togolese Manganese Company (STM). Under the terms of this agreement, Keras will receive a remuneration of 1.5% of the mine’s gross revenue for three years for its advisory services, as well as 6% for brokering services.
The reserves of the Nayega mine are estimated at 8.5 million tonnes, which would allow exploitation over a period of 11 years. The authorities of Lomé welcome the expected contribution of the mine to the national budget, a benefit that should be strengthened by the rigorous management of the generated revenues, as indicated by our colleagues from Agence Afrique.
With a growing global demand for manganese, particularly in steel alloys and renewable energy technologies, Togo is seeking to assert itself as an essential supplier of this strategic ore. This positioning could play a catalytic role for the national economy, always according to information from the Africa Agency.
Source: senego / Photo credit: Republicoftogo.com
The Gabonese government decided on Friday to ban the import of broilers in order to promote national poultry production and ensure food security, according to the final communiqué of the council of ministers chaired by the head of state, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
The ban will be effective from 1 January 2027, thus leaving a period of 18 months (1 year and 6 months) for actors in the sector to structure themselves, invest and prepare to meet national demand.
“This measure aims to restore domestic poultry production, boost agricultural investment, reduce food dependency and strengthen the trade balance,” the government hopes. Gabon also hopes to foster “the emergence of a network of rural jobs, the rise in quality of products consumed locally and the creation of an economic ecosystem around this sector”.
The government has also planned a detailed operational plan to be presented within 45 days by the ministers responsible for economy and trade.
Libreville dreams of reducing its dependence on poultry imports and strengthening the country’s food security. In addition, the promotion of local poultry farming should have a positive impact on rural areas, generating jobs and contributing to the development of a vibrant poultry ecosystem.
Imported frozen chicken is the most consumed food in Gabon because of its low price and packaging ready to be thrown into a pot.
“The star of the freezer” is how Gabonese people refer to frozen chicken because it is often the only food, if not the default food, found in the freezers of Gabonese families.
Frozen chicken and meat are generally imported from Latin America and Europe. Their massive presence on the market has destroyed local production.
The Council of Ministers also announced a ban on exporting crude manganese from 1 January 2029. The objective is to promote local industrial development, create jobs and maximize the value of this resource, of which Gabon is the world’s second largest producer.
Sources: gabonactu.com
Mauritania is in the spotlight. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Sidi Ould Tah was elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), at the annual meeting of the institution held in Abidjan. He succeeds Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, in office since 2015.
His election came after a hard-fought duel against Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia, who finished in second place. The election, which was marked by major geopolitical and economic issues, took place against a background of high expectations regarding governance and development financing on the continent.
The Senegalese Amadou Hott, long perceived as one of the favorites, finishes in third place, followed by the South African Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala. Despite significant diplomatic support, notably for Hott, the momentum in favour of Sidi Ould Tah has prevailed in the last few rounds.
Former minister and general manager of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Sidi Ould Tah is recognized for his experience and strategic vision. He will officially take office on 1 September 2025.
Photo credit: Forbes Africa
