Botswana is a completely landlocked country in the centre of Southern Africa. The country covers an area of about 582,000 sq.km² and is relatively flat at roughly 900 metres above sea level, with gentle undulations and occasional rocky outcrops. The Kalahari Desert occupies more than 70 % of the country, with valleys and pans etched across the landscape. The eastern part of Botswana contains the highest (1,500 metres) and the lowest (500 metres) points of elevation, with hills and deep valleys, whereas the flat vast western portion of the country is semi-arid with rocky outcrops.
The mining sector, and in particular diamond mining, is the major contributor to the export base, and government policy endeavours to reduce the vulnerability arising from the heavy dependence on diamonds. The livestock industry contributes about 80 % of agriculture’s share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Beef processing accounts for about 80 % of the livestock industry, and over 95 % of beef production is exported. Tourism continues to play an increasingly significant role in the diversification of the economy. Botswana’s impressive economic performance over the past four decades is mainly due to the success of its export sector
Opportunities for investment in the mining sector include; prospecting and surveys, expansion of existing mining projects, new mining projects, beneficiation of minerals and improved value chain benefits. The beneficiation of diamonds represents one of the most promising areas of opportunity. The Botswana Diamond Hub was established to develop a sustainable secondary diamond industry in Botswana. To facilitate the establishment of diamond ancillary businesses, 28 licensed cutting and polishing companies are in operation, mainly centred in Gaborone. The potential exists to expand operations to other parts of the country.
Key opportunities include:
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