Botswana’s New President Duma Boko to Legalise Undocumented Zimbabweans

Botswana’s political landscape is witnessing a significant transformation with the inauguration of Duma Boko as the country’s new president. His historic victory has ended nearly six decades of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), ushering in a new administration focused on economic revival, unity, and reshaping the country’s future.

Renegotiating Botswana’s Diamond Deal with De Beers

A key priority for President Duma Boko is to secure a new sales agreement with global diamond giant De Beers. The current deal between De Beers and Botswana’s Debswana joint venture, which is equally owned by the government and De Beers, sees Botswana selling 75% of its diamond output to the company. The government and former President Mokgweetsi Masisi had previously negotiated a deal to gradually increase Botswana’s share to 50% over the next decade. However, the agreement has yet to be signed, and De Beers has reportedly considered walking away, a situation that Boko describes as perilous for the nation.

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In his first public address after taking office, Boko emphasised the importance of engaging with De Beers to address concerns and ensure a balanced, sustainable agreement. “A proper negotiation involves compromise, where both parties gain,” he said, signalling his administration’s commitment to resolving the issue and securing a favourable deal for Botswana’s future.

Strengthening Botswana’s Economic Foundations

Diamond sales represent over 80% of Botswana’s exports, and the global decline in demand has directly impacted the nation’s economy. With unemployment rates hovering around 30%, Boko’s administration has set a goal to create 100,000 jobs annually over the next five years. To achieve this, he intends to diversify Botswana’s economy, reduce its reliance on diamonds, and focus on sectors such as agriculture, technology, and small business development.

Boko has identified the creation of jobs as one of his most urgent tasks. He highlighted that the country faces an unemployment crisis, particularly among young people, which he believes is a ticking time bomb for the nation. By improving access to affordable finance and markets, his government aims to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment among Botswana’s youth.

Addressing Zimbabwean Migrants in Botswana

Another bold policy proposal from President Boko is to legalise undocumented Zimbabweans living in Botswana by granting them temporary work and residence permits. Botswana hosts the world’s second-largest community of Zimbabwean migrants, many of whom have fled their country’s economic collapse. While their presence is often a source of resentment, particularly due to issues of crime and access to services, Boko believes that formalising their status would benefit both the migrants and Botswana’s economy.

President Boko views these migrants as a valuable source of labour, particularly in sectors like domestic work and agriculture, where local citizens often find employment unattractive. He also sees an opportunity for skills transfer, as many Zimbabweans possess expertise in fields such as welding and plumbing, which are in high demand across Botswana. His administration plans to implement programs that will allow Zimbabweans to contribute legally while also facilitating the development of local skills.

Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

Boko’s vision for Botswana goes beyond economic recovery and skills development; he is committed to empowering the country’s youth. With a significant portion of Botswana’s population under the age of 30, Boko recognises the importance of giving young people the tools they need to succeed. He has called for greater focus on entrepreneurship, allowing young people to create their own businesses, employ others, and contribute to the national economy.

The government, under Boko’s leadership, plans to foster a conducive environment for business growth, offering affordable financing options and improved access to markets for young entrepreneurs. This, Boko believes, will not only combat unemployment but also diversify Botswana’s economy away from its dependence on diamond mining.

A Historic Political Shift

Botswana’s political landscape has been forever changed with the peaceful transfer of power to the opposition after nearly 60 years of BDP rule. President Boko’s victory signals a new direction for the country, one that emphasises transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable development. His first speech as president stressed the need for unity and progress, as he called on all Batswana to work together for the betterment of the nation. Despite the crowd’s mixed reaction to former President Masisi, Boko praised his predecessor’s decision to peacefully step down, setting an example for democracy across Africa.

Botswana’s Future Under President Duma Boko

Botswana, long regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, faces a critical period of economic and political transition. President Boko’s leadership offers hope for a revitalised economy, job creation, and an expanded role for the youth and migrants in the country’s growth. His commitment to renegotiating the diamond deal with De Beers, along with his efforts to diversify the economy and address unemployment, will be key to shaping the country’s future.

As Botswana navigates these challenges, the success of President Boko’s administration will depend on how effectively he manages the country’s economic resources, fosters unity, and ensures that all citizens, regardless of their background, have access to opportunities for success.

Conclusion: Botswana’s Bright Future under Duma Boko

With a clear vision for economic growth, youth empowerment, and a fairer distribution of resources, Botswana stands poised to enter a new chapter under President Duma Boko. As the country embraces this era of change, its people will look to their new leader for direction, inspiration, and a brighter future.

By renegotiating key contracts and fostering entrepreneurship, President Boko aims to lay a solid foundation for Botswana’s continued prosperity. The world will be watching as this new administration strives to build on Botswana’s legacy as a stable, democratic, and economically vibrant African nation.