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Botswana Just Broke Free From De Beers' Control
Botswana broke free from De Beers control in 2025, transforming from one of Africa’s poorest countries to a diamond powerhouse with $7 billion in reserves. Discover how Seretse Khama’s 50-year strategy finally paid off and what this means for African economic independence.
In 1966, Botswana had just 12 miles of paved roads and was completely dependent on Britain for funding. Today, it’s the least corrupt nation in Africa and controls 85% of its diamond profits. This is the untold story of Africa’s quiet economic revolution.
🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
How Botswana negotiated a 50-50 deal with De Beers in 1969
Why Seretse Khama’s interracial marriage nearly destroyed everything
The 2025 diamond sovereignty deal that changes everything
How Botswana captured 85% of diamond profits (up from 50%)
Why African resource nationalism is reshaping global markets
The strategy behind Africa’s most successful post-colonial economy📊 KEY FACTS COVERED:
Botswana’s GDP per capita: from under $100 to $6,940
Diamond revenue: 80% of exports, 1/3 of fiscal revenue
Foreign reserves: Over $7 billion
Debswana partnership evolution: 1969-2025
New US zero-tariff diamond trade agreementThis documentary explores Botswana’s economic transformation, the De Beers diamond cartel’s declining control, and what African countries can learn from this model of resource sovereignty and gradual economic independence.
🌍 AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT TOPICS:
We cover Pan-African economic integration, SADC (Southern African Development Community), resource nationalism in Africa, and how Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola are following Botswana’s playbook for diamond sovereignty and mineral rights control.The video examines Seretse Khama’s leadership strategy, his controversial interracial marriage to Ruth Williams, British colonial legacy in Africa, and how Botswana maintained democracy while building wealth—something few resource-rich African nations achieved.
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