The Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group have officially launched a comprehensive set of talent development programmes aimed at creating new opportunities for Batswana, fostering skills, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening Botswana’s human and innovation capital. The initiative aligns with the country’s vision to transition into a knowledge-based economy and reflects Botswana’s growing influence in the global diamond industry.
As a global leader in diamonds, De Beers Group will offer successful programme participants access to world-class expertise, opportunities to engage with international teams, and valuable exposure across global markets. The launch of these talent development programmes marks the first milestone in implementing the transformative agreements signed between the Government of Botswana and De Beers in February 2025. These agreements are designed to advance Botswana’s national development goals and drive long-term economic growth.
Starting this year, the talent development initiative will feature several impactful programmes. The International Graduate Development Programme, launching in September 2025, will provide high-performing Batswana university graduates with two-year international placements across De Beers Group’s global operations. Through rotational assignments, participants will gain invaluable experience and career development opportunities.
The Internship Programme, commencing in December 2025, will offer final-year university and vocational students three to six-month placements at De Beers Global Sightholder Sales (DBGSS) in Gaborone. This programme aims to strengthen local talent pipelines and support Botswana’s academic institutions by providing hands-on, practical learning opportunities.
Additionally, the Scholarship Programme will begin by the end of 2025. It will provide annual support to MSc and PhD students, covering full tuition and living stipends for research in strategic focus areas that align with Botswana’s development priorities.
To build future-ready leadership within the diamond industry, the Leaders Accelerator Programme will offer global assignment opportunities for senior Batswana currently employed by DBGSS, Debswana, and DTC Botswana. The programme will run over the next decade, developing a pipeline of experienced leaders capable of driving Botswana’s diamond sector forward.
The Government Leadership Programme will further enhance Botswana’s influence on the global stage. This initiative will include a Government Secondment Programme and Strategic Steering Committee appointments, enabling Government officials to contribute to international strategic projects and gain exposure to global best practices within De Beers Group.
Recruitment for the International Graduate Development Programme will begin immediately, with interested applicants encouraged to apply through the De Beers Group website starting from 11 June 2025.
As part of the broader agreements with the Government of Botswana, De Beers Group will also introduce additional initiatives in the near future. The Diamond Entrepreneurship Programme and the Diamond Vocational Training Institute are being developed to support local enterprise and skills development within the diamond industry, addressing long-standing national priorities.
Another major component of the partnership is the Diamonds for Development (D4D) Fund, which aims to drive inclusive socioeconomic development across Botswana. The Fund is expected to become operational later this year. Significant progress has already been made, with the appointment of an independent board of directors identified as a top priority. De Beers Group has committed an initial investment of BWP 1 billion, with additional annual contributions from its dividends from Debswana, depending on the company’s performance. Further details about the Fund and opportunities for Batswana to participate will be announced soon.
Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy, welcomed the launch of the programmes, saying: “Our recent agreement with De Beers marks a bold new chapter in Botswana’s development journey and the launch of these talent programmes represents an exciting tangible step forward in delivering on our shared commitments. It responds directly to our national priorities: reducing youth unemployment, building a future-ready workforce, and retaining value from our natural resources. We are not only opening doors for our youth, but we are also creating the architects of Botswana’s next chapter.”
Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, reinforced this vision, stating: “At De Beers, we believe that the most enduring legacy we can create is through people by investing in talent, unlocking potential, and opening doors to opportunity. That is what these programmes aim to achieve. Through these initiatives, we are helping to develop a generation of professionals who can lead with confidence in Botswana, across Africa, and around the world. It’s about building enduring value that goes beyond mining.”
Malebogo Mpugwa, Chief People Officer of De Beers Group, added: “We are enabling Batswana to gain critical skills, global exposure, and the experience needed to lead. This is a deliberate pipeline strategy—one that will shape the leadership bench of the future, not only for De Beers, but for Botswana’s wider economy.”
This landmark initiative reflects a shared commitment between the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group to empower the next generation of Batswana, foster sustainable economic development, and strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in the diamond industry.
