Botswana is engaging with Namibia and Angola with a view to ensuring that the neighbouring countries' ultimate increased stake is at an optimal level in the best interest of the country and its people.

Answering a question from the Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando, in Parliament on Friday, the Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa, said Botswana is aware of interests from Namibia and Angola.  

Mohwasa said this is in pursuit of Botswana's legal entitlements, which include the possibility of the acquisition of a controlling stake, subject to regulatory, anti-trust and financial considerations; Botswana has decided to participate in the sale and acquisition process.  

In terms of existing agreements, Mohwasa said Botswana has rights to any change of control relating to its shareholding and also preemptive rights in respect of any disposal by Anglo American of its 85% stake in De Beers Group.  

"Botswana is aware that there are other commercial bidders and that both the Republic of Angola and the Republic of Namibia are interested in acquiring a stake. Botswana is engaging with all these potential bidders with a view to ensuring that Botswana's ultimate increased stake is at an optimal level in the best interests of the country and its people."

Headquartered in London and Johannesburg, Anglo American did put De Beers, one of the world's leading diamond companies with operations and exploration spanning Botswana, Namibia, Angola, South Africa and Canada, on sale in May 2024.