Africa’s leading diamond giants, Botswana 🇧🇼 and Angola 🇦🇴, are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation that could transform the global diamond industry. The two nations, both major producers of high-quality gems, are in discussions that centre on the possibility of jointly influencing or controlling De Beers, the most dominant diamond company in the world. This development highlights a growing shift in the global minerals sector, where African countries are seeking stronger ownership and greater decision-making power over their natural resources.
The talks follow a high-level meeting between Botswana’s Minister of Mines and Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, signalling a shared vision between the two governments. Their meeting focused on exploring new ways to collaborate in the diamond value chain, with particular interest in how both nations could play a more active role in shaping the direction of De Beers. Botswana already has a long-standing partnership with the company, while Angola has recently become one of the continent’s fastest-growing diamond producers after implementing major sector reforms.
If Botswana and Angola manage to align their strategies, the global diamond market could experience a significant shift. De Beers has historically shaped diamond pricing, marketing, and global supply. Joint involvement or coordinated influence from these two African powerhouses could reshape everything from rough diamond distribution to international investment patterns. The implications extend beyond economics; it would mark a symbolic moment where producer nations gain greater leverage over an industry long dominated by external corporations.
This emerging cooperation also reflects a wider continental movement toward resource sovereignty. African countries are increasingly refusing to remain passive suppliers of raw minerals. Instead, they are pushing for beneficiation, transparency, and stronger local participation in mining and processing. For Botswana and Angola, deeper collaboration offers a chance to boost revenue, create new jobs, and ensure that a larger share of the wealth generated from diamonds stays within their borders.
While the talks are still at an early stage, the potential impact is already drawing global attention. Analysts recognize that a coordinated approach by two of Africa’s largest diamond producers could disrupt traditional industry power structures. It may also encourage other African nations to pursue similar alliances or rethink their engagement with multinational mining companies.
For now, the emerging partnership between Botswana and Angola marks an important step toward redefining the global diamond landscape. It signals a future where African countries not only produce diamonds but also shape the policies, prices, and strategies that govern the global market.