President Duma Gideon Boko has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to raising the standard of living for Batswana, stating that no employee in the country should earn less than 4,000 pula per month. Speaking during a recent tour of Aurostar Diamond Polishing Company, President Boko made it clear that his government is determined to implement this wage reform in the shortest time possible.
The President’s visit to Aurostar, one of Botswana’s key players in diamond cutting and polishing, highlights his administration’s focus on both economic justice and local value addition in the mining sector. During his address to company executives, workers, and industry stakeholders, President Boko emphasised the importance of creating dignified employment conditions while positioning Botswana as a leader in diamond processing.
“We must deliberately proceed in a direction of ensuring that no diamond leaves this country unpolished, unprocessed, or uncut,” said President Boko. “The country must go in this direction before the end of this year.”
This strategic pivot aims to retain greater value within Botswana by building domestic capacity for diamond refinement, thereby reducing dependency on external markets and exporters. President Boko also reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting local businesses in meeting the new wage targets.
“We recognise that wage reform must be accompanied by strong support for business. My administration will work hand-in-hand with enterprises to help them reach these standards without compromising operational stability,” he said.
The proposed wage floor of 4,000 pula represents a significant boost for workers in sectors such as mining, retail, and manufacturing, where many employees currently earn below this threshold. For companies like Aurostar, the President’s pledge signals a new era of inclusive growth, where corporate success is balanced with social responsibility.
In aligning economic policy with social development, President Boko’s administration seeks to build a more equitable Botswana—one where mineral wealth translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. With a clear roadmap for boosting wages and value addition, the government is setting the stage for long-term economic transformation.
As Botswana intensifies its focus on local beneficiation and fair labour standards, visits like this underscore the government’s resolve to create a future where prosperity is both shared and sustainable.
