De Beers Group and the Government of Botswana reiterated their commitment to continue their partnership well into the future even as negotiations have got under way to renew the agreement between the two by the time the current one expires in 2021.

This was stated and reinforced at a series of events held in mid-November as part of the Diamond Symposium Week in Gaborone, which was addressed by His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver among others.

Delivering the Keynote Address at the most significant of the three events held during the week – the Diamond Conference on Social Capital, the President said, “As I speak, a team has been assembled to kick-start the negotiations for the next deal agreement. This partnership is destined to continue even stronger than ever before.”

Similarly, in a joint press conference addressed alongside the event, Cleaver and Botswana’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Eric Molale stressed that they were confident of a positive outcome to the negotiations.

Over 600 delegates from business and government gathered at the day-long event, organised by De Beers along with Botswana’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Energy and Energy Security.

The theme of the conference -- ‘leading business for social capital’, was discussed at different sessions on sustainable investment trends, consumer insights, strategic partnerships, building brand value, and the influence of diamonds and style.

Speaking on the occasion, De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver said: “Those in the private sector have the opportunity to build social capital not only through making investments in sustainable development, but also by sharing and communicating our insights. These include topics such as how to create stronger routes to market; how to build successful brands; how to foster competitive advantage; how to understand consumers; and how to communicate to the wider world.”

He added that the host countries and communities with which De Beers works can support and accelerate efforts for sustainable development through activities such as “creating an enabling environment; matching skills development to meet the business sector’s needs; and providing a secure and predictable environment in which enterprises can flourish.”

Two other events held as part of the Diamond Symposium Week included the Entrepreneurship Catalyst, to highlight the role entrepreneurship plays in the socio-economic development of the country, and the W Summit, covering topics that affect and empower women.

The aim of the first of these was to inspire young people in Botswana to explore the opportunities in the entrepreneurship sector. The Keynote address was delivered by Honourable Thapelo Olopeng, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, following a welcome from Business Botswana President Gobusamang Keebine.

Panel discussions, featuring a range of business leaders and successful entrepreneurs, covered topics such as an initiative from Stanford University for innovation in developing economies; powering innovation, entrepreneurship and technology; financing entrepreneurs; and what the future of business looks like.

Guest speakers included celebrity chef Joe Seeletso, who has become a TV star in Poland, and DJ Fresh Sikwane, a music, radio and television producer. Both were born in Botswana and have made their name as inspirational success stories.

The W Summit, hosted for the third year by De Beers Group, had the theme this year of ‘pioneering the new business brand’ and highlighted women who excel in business. It featured sessions on such topics as marketing is dead; engagement is alive, investing in women-led enterprises, the power of influencers, a story of diversity, and wellness and health.

The Keynote speaker was Her Excellency Neo Masisi, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, and opening remarks were by Dr Linah Kelebogile Mohohlo, University of Botswana Chancellor and former Governor of the Bank of Botswana.

Other high-profile speakers include Connie Ferguson, actor, producer, model and business woman, jazz diva Mary Starling, and Carmen Smith, Vice-President of Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Among the other highlights of the week were the launch of the 2018/19 Shining Light Awards which was held at Botswana’s National Museum; the anniversary celebration of the Thamaga Initiative  where De Beers Group has worked with the Botswelelo Centre to refurbish the Thamaga Pottery into a competitive business and tourist attraction; the official opening of the first Forevermark store in Botswana, with Her Excellency Neo Masisi, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana as the guest of honour; and the release of a new-style publication ‘Building Forever: Our Journey’ to showcase the highlights of the progress De Beers Group is making across areas including the environment and society.

Pic caption: De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver (centre) is joined by business and government leaders at the Diamond Conference

Pic courtesy: De Beers Group