Africa-Press – Botswana. Kimberley Process Custodian Chair and Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, paid a courtesy visit to Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, as part of his official visit to the country for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Mr. Bin Sulayem was accompanied by a delegation from the DMCC, with discussions centering on deepening cooperation between Botswana and the United Arab Emirates in the mineral and commodities sectors. The meeting also provided an update on the progress of the Kimberley Process and explored ways to enhance Botswana’s participation in global trade networks.
A key focus of the engagement was identifying opportunities to position Botswana as an African commodity trading hub, leveraging the success of the DMCC model in Dubai. Mr. Bin Sulayem shared insights on how the DMCC had developed into one of the world’s leading free zones and commodity marketplaces, emphasizing the value of regulatory efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence.
“The DMCC experience shows what is possible when trade facilitation and governance go hand in hand,” Mr. Bin Sulayem said. “Botswana has the potential to become a continental center for responsible and high-value mineral trade, aligned with the principles of the Kimberley Process.”
The discussions also touched on strengthening the traceability and ethical sourcing of diamonds and other precious minerals. Both sides expressed interest in exploring new frameworks for trade that ensure compliance with international standards while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Minister Kenewendo welcomed the engagement, expressing her appreciation for the Kimberley Process leadership’s continued collaboration. “We value this dialogue and partnership,” she said. “Botswana remains committed to advancing responsible mineral development, strengthening global cooperation, and ensuring our resources contribute to sustainable growth.”
She reaffirmed her ministry’s openness to continued discussions with the DMCC and the Kimberley Process Secretariat, noting that Botswana’s strategic goal is to expand its role beyond diamond production to become a hub for mineral trade and beneficiation across Africa.
The meeting underscored Botswana’s growing importance in global mineral governance and its commitment to ethical trade practices. As the Kimberley Process continues to evolve, partnerships like these are expected to enhance the continent’s ability to benefit equitably from its vast natural resources.
Mr. Bin Sulayem’s visit further highlighted the alignment between Botswana’s development vision and the UAE’s commitment to fostering transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial trade relations in the global commodities market.
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