Botswana’s President Duma Boko on Thursday announced a landmark agreement with Qatar’s Al Mansour Holdings, with the Gulf firm committing to invest $12 billion across multiple sectors of the southern African nation’s economy.
The deal, signed in partnership with the state-owned Botswana Development Corporation, will channel funds into infrastructure, energy, mining, diamond refinement, agriculture, tourism, cybersecurity, and defence. In a statement posted on Facebook, President Boko described the agreement as a “historic move” that would help tackle the country’s most pressing economic challenges.
Botswana, often hailed as one of Africa’s economic success stories, has faced mounting difficulties following a sharp downturn in the global diamond market. The slump caused a 3% contraction in gross domestic product last year and has raised fears of a further decline in 2025. Diamonds remain the backbone of Botswana’s economy, accounting for the bulk of its export revenues.
“This historic move will be enough to address immediate challenges facing the country,” Boko said, signalling confidence that the investment would stabilise growth while laying foundations for diversification.
A Qatari delegation arrived in Gaborone on Wednesday as part of an investment mission to explore opportunities and deepen bilateral ties. The engagement underscores Botswana’s strategy to attract foreign capital as it seeks to expand beyond diamond dependency and strengthen its role in regional and global markets.
Melissa Enoch
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