The Botswana government signed a new diamond sales agreement crucial to its economy with the De Beers mining company on Tuesday after seven years of negotiations. The deal gives the government an increasing share of diamond sales through the Debswana company — its joint venture with De Beers,

The partnership secures long-term value from existing mines and expansions such as Jwaneng Cut-9 and Jwaneng Underground.

Under the final deal, the share of Botswana's state-owned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) in the production of Debswana - its 50-50 joint venture with De Beers - will reach 40% at the end of the agreement, revised from a provisional 50%.

Local economist Keith Jefferis said concluding the deal was critical to the global diamond industry. “ [It is] a very positive move that the deal has finally been reached,” Jefferis said. “It will certainly help to bring some certainty to the global diamond industry.

Botswana has just sealed a historic 10-year diamond sales agreement with De Beers, marking a significant milestone in the country's diamond industry. This landmark deal reinforces Botswana's position as a global leader in diamond production.