Botswana is deepening ties with Oman as the southern African nation looks to reduce its dependence on diamonds and revive economic growth. During a visit to the Gulf nation, Botswana’s President Duma Boko signed a raft of deals with the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, that span energy, mining, and infrastructure. Central to the partnership is a 500-megawatt solar power project with battery storage, which will be built, funded, and operated by an Oman-linked company, alongside joint exploration for key minerals such as copper, gold, and graphite. Both sides also signed a joint development agreement to develop infrastructure in Botswana and Namibia for strengthening fuel storage and supply routes. The push comes as Botswana grapples with declining diamond revenues, driven by weak global demand and competition from lab-grown alternatives.
RFI
