Botswana diamond slump hits miners living on the edge of survival
Summary
Botswana’s diamond industry is facing a sharp slowdown, causing major cuts in production and many workers losing their jobs. This decline is hurting the country’s economy, household incomes, and businesses that rely on mining.Key Facts
- Debswana, Botswana’s main diamond company, cut production by about 27% in 2024 and plans further cuts in 2025.
- Diamonds make up about 70% of Botswana’s export earnings and one-third of government revenue.
- The country’s economy shrank by about 5.3% in the second quarter of 2025, mainly due to the drop in diamond mining.
- Many diamond workers have lost jobs or face temporary contracts with lower pay and less stability.
- Rising living costs make it harder for mining families to cover expenses like school fees, loans, and healthcare.
- Workers report uncertainty about job security and worries about whether contracts will be renewed.
- The government’s credit rating was lowered in 2025 because of the economic impact from the diamond industry downturn.
- People are considering other ways to make money, like farming or small businesses, but often lack the money to start.
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