BOTSWANA with the 2nd. Largest DIAMOND in the WORLD; Guyana 2016-2020 was ADOPTED by AFRICA in Kuwait; the Importance of 10-15 Years PLANS & FEASABILITIES Studies; De Beers by Raphael Trotman PhD (ABD); Guyana & Botswana Similarities

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Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi holds a large diamond discovered in Botswana at his office in Gaborone on August 22, 2024.         Gaborone: A massive 2,492-carat diamond — the second largest in the world — has been discovered in Botswana, the Canadian mining company that found the stone announced on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

The largest diamond found in Botswana is a 2,492-carat diamond, which is the SECOND BIGGEST ever discovered in a mine . It was found at the Karowe Mine in central Botswana and weighs approximately half a kilogram .

This diamond is the largest found in over a century, with the last one of its sizes being the Cullinan Diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905.

Southern African Development Community. SADC 16 Countries. Angola, BOTSWANA, Comoros, Congo,  Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia,  Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

BOTSWANA has a rich diamond mining history, and several significant diamonds have been discovered there. Here are a few notable examples:

1. The Orapa Diamond (1967): A 240-carat diamond found in the Orapa mine, which was the largest diamond discovered in Botswana at the time.
2. The Lesedi La Rona (2015): A 1,109-carat diamond discovered in the Karowe Mine, which was the second-largest diamond ever discovered at the time.
3. The Okavango Blue (2018): A 20.46-carat blue diamond discovered in the Orapa mine, considered one of the rarest and most valuable diamond colors.
4. The Sewelô (2019): A 352-carat diamond discovered in the Karowe Mine, which was later cut into a 77.62-carat polished diamond.
5. The Botswana Diamond (2022): A 2,000-carat diamond discovered in the Karowe Mine, although its exact weight and quality are still unknown.

Botswana is one of the world’s leading diamond-producing countries, and its mines have yielded many remarkable diamonds over the years. The country’s diamond industry has played a significant role in its economy and development.

BOTSWANA is considered a STABLE DEMOCRACY. Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1966, Botswana has maintained a democratic system of government, with free and fair elections held regularly. Some reasons why Botswana stands out as a stable democracy:

1. Multi–party system: Botswana has a multi-party system, with several opposition parties contesting elections.
2. Free and fair elections: Elections are held regularly, and international observers have consistently praised the country’s electoral process as free and fair.
3. Peaceful transfers of power: Botswana has experienced peaceful transfers of power, with former presidents stepping down voluntarily.
4. Independent judiciary: The judiciary is independent, and the rule of law is respected.
5. Strong institutions: Botswana has strong institutions, including an independent electoral commission, a robust parliament, and a free press.
6. LOW CORRUPTION: Botswana is considered one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, with a strong anti-corruption framework.
7. Respect for human rights: Botswana generally respects human rights, with a strong focus on protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms.

However, like any democracy, Botswana faces challenges, such as:

1. Dominant party system: The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has dominated politics since independence, which can limit opposition influence.
2. Rural–urban disparities: Economic and social disparities exist between rural and urban areas.
3. Economic dependence: Botswana’s economy is heavily dependent on diamond mining, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.

Overall, Botswana’s stability, democratic institutions, and commitment to human rights make it a SHINING EXAMPLE of DEMOCRACY in AFRICA.

BOTSWANA is known for its COMMITMENT to LONG-TERM PLANNING land conducting FEASIBILITY STUDIES for ITS PROJECTS. Here are some ways they approach planning:

1. National Development Plans (NDPs): Botswana has a series of NDPs, each spanning 10–15 years, outlining strategic priorities, goals, and objectives.
2. Feasibility studies: Botswana conducts thorough feasibility studies for major projects, assessing technical, financial, environmental, and social viability.
3. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): EIAs are mandatory for projects with potential environmental impacts, ensuring consideration of sustainable practices.
4. Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs): Botswana uses PPPs to leverage private sector expertise and funding, often with thorough feasibility studies and risk assessments.
5. Project monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure projects stay on track, with adjustments made as needed.

Examples of projects with thorough feasibility studies include:

1. Okavango Delta Tourism Development: A comprehensive feasibility study guided sustainable tourism development in this sensitive ecosystem.
2. Morupule B Power Station Expansion: A thorough feasibility study assessed the viability of expanding the power station, considering technical, financial, and environmental factors.
3. Botswana Railways Rehabilitation: A feasibility study informed the rehabilitation of the railway network, ensuring efficient and cost-effective transportation.

By prioritizing long-term planning and feasibility studies, Botswana ensures that projects are well-considered, sustainable, and aligned with national development goals.

Feasibility studies are crucial for projects because they:

1. Assess viability: Determine if a project is technically, financially, and socially feasible.
2. Identify potential risks: Highlight potential risks, challenges, and mitigation strategies.
3. Define project scope: Clarify project objectives, scope, and deliverables.
4. Estimate costs: Provide a detailed cost estimate, including contingencies.
5. Evaluate alternatives: Compare different options, technologies, or approaches.
6. Inform decision–making: Provide stakeholders with a comprehensive analysis to make informed decisions.
7. Ensure alignment with goals: Verify that the project aligns with organizational or national objectives.
8. Enhance project planning: Inform the development of a detailed project plan, schedule, and budget.
9. Reduce uncertainty: Minimize surprises and uncertainty by identifying potential issues early.
10. Improve chances of success: Increase the likelihood of project success by addressing potential challenges upfront.

By conducting a THOROUGH FEASIBILITY STUDY, you can ensure that your project is well-planned, viable, and set up for success. IT IS A CRITICAL STEP in the project LIFECYCLE that can save time, money, and resources eventually.

When Governments DO NOT conduct FEASIBILITY STUDIES for HUGE PROJECTS, it can LEAD to 13 shortcomings, as follows:

1. Cost overruns: Projects may exceed the budget, leading to financial losses.
2. Delays and schedule slippage: Unforeseen issues cause delays, extending project timelines.
3. Technical issues and failures: Inadequate planning leads to technical problems, potentially causing project failure.
4. Inefficient use of resources: Misallocation of resources, including funding, personnel, and materials.
5. Environmental and social impacts: Neglecting environmental and social assessments can lead to unforeseen consequences.
6. Lack of stakeholder support: Insufficient engagement with stakeholders can result in project opposition or rejection.
7. Inadequate risk management: Failure to identify and mitigate risks can lead to project failure.
8. Waste and corruption: Inefficient planning can lead to wastage of funds and potential corruption.
9. Opportunity costs: Investing in a flawed project means missing out on better opportunities.
10. Loss of public trust: Failed projects can erode public confidence in the Government’s ability to manage projects effectively.
11. Legal and regulatory issues: Non-compliance with regulations can lead to legal challenges and fines.
12. Reputation damage: Failed projects can tarnish the reputation of the government and involved parties.
13. A DISASTER: For Current and Future Governments

By neglecting feasibility studies, Governments RISK turning what could be a successful project into a costly and potentially disastrous endeavor.

QUOTE.   BOTSWANA. De Beers.   Raphael Gregory Conwright Trotman, Esq., LLB, LEC, MA, PhD. (ABD -All But Dissertation).  NEW UNIVERSITY, SLOVENIA, FACULTY OF GOVERNMENT AND EUROPEAN STUDIES.     Major: PhD – International and Diplomatic Studies Course: Performance of Economic Systems in the Modern World. Essay No. 1 – Topic: The Evolving Influence And Role of Multinational Corporations In The Foreign and Security Policies Of Host Nations.

“In 1967, large deposits of diamonds were found in Botswana. Globally Botswana’s deposits are said to measure 280 million carats, and are eclipsed only by Russia’s deposits, which are estimated to stand at 860 million carats. From the very start of the development and monetization of its diamond resource, Botswana chose to stay firmly rooted in a relationship with Anglo-South African firm, De Beers, which was once controlled by the Oppenheimer family.

A recent description of Botswana’s diamond wealth, and the DeBeers relationship, was summed up in this way: “Today, Botswana is now the world’s number one diamond-producing country by value. The diamond industry accounts for 30 percent of the country’s GDP and 80 percent of its exports. The majority of the country’s diamond mines are managed by Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the Botswana government and the global mining giant De Beers.”

“It has been observed that where development in Africa is concerned, that “The institutional development of most African countries has been shaped and influenced by skewed relationships with external actors whose established structures are fashioned to cater to the needs, not the territories themselves, but of the national and business interests of larger states.”

“A recent New York Times editorial posited that: “Botswana produces more of the world’s diamonds than any country but Russia. But Botswana, a small landlocked nation in southern Africa, keeps only 25 percent of the rough stones extracted in its agreement with De Beers, an international diamond conglomerate. De Beers takes 75 percent.”

“DeBeers itself describes the relationship as a ‘partnership” in these candid words: “To understand the story of Botswana’s growth is to understand the story of its vast diamond resource and the Partnership that transformed it into a driver of development. The Partnership is, of course, codified in various agreements and contracts, but its longevity and success are due to something deeper, namely a mutual understanding that diamonds are unique and require a long-term view; that they are a finite resource whose value must be maximized while it lasts; that they are ultimately a luxury product; and that true partnership requires shared incentives.”

“It does appear that while Botswana sat in Southern Africa during the tumultuous years of apartheid being practiced in South Africa, and even when it appears to have taken the side of the other Southern African states – that opposed South Africa militarily, Botswana maintained a quiet and close relationship with South Africa, through DeBeers’ influence.”

GUYANA and BOTSWANA Similarities:

1. Natural Resources: Both countries are rich in natural resources, with Guyana having significant oil reserves, gold, and minerals, while Botswana has diamonds, copper, and coal.
2. Diverse Wildlife: Both countries have unique and diverse wildlife, with Guyana being home to giant otters, jaguars, and harpy eagles, while Botswana has lions, elephants, and cheetahs.
3. Indigenous Communities: Both countries have Indigenous communities, with Guyana having nine recognized groups, including the Wai-Wai and Macushi, while Botswana has the San and Basarwa people.
4. Colonial History: Both countries were British colonies, with Guyana gaining independence in 1966 and Botswana in 1966 as well.
5. Economic Challenges: Both countries face economic challenges, including reliance on a single industry (oil in Guyana, diamonds in Botswana) and developing infrastructure.

However, there are also SIGNIFICANT differences:

1. LOCATION: Guyana is in South America, while Botswana is in southern Africa.
2. LANGUAGE: Guyana’s official language is English, while Botswana has two official languages, Setswana and English.
3. POPULATION: Guyana has a population of around 790,000, while Botswana has approximately 2.3 million people.
4. LAND AREA: Guyana is larger than Botswana, with a land area of around 214,970 square kilometers compared to Botswana’s 581,730 square kilometers.
5. ECONOMY: Guyana’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, mining, and oil, while Botswana’s economy is driven by mining, tourism, and agriculture.

GUYANA 3 KEY CHALLENGES are.

1. Transitioning from PUBLIC-SECTOR-LED GROWTH to a more DIVERSIFIED PRIVATE SECTOR- DRIVEN MODEL.
2. MAJOR Reforms including COMPENSATION PACKAGES to attract skilled DIASPORA, then CARICOM, then GLOBAL workers, easy access to FINANCING for small and medium enterprises, and encourage COMPETITION and TRADE could generate the most significant growth gains.
3. To maximize GAINS, A Strategic SHORT- and LONG-TERM PLANNING, GOVERNMENT, WILL ensure that complementary reforms are properly sequenced and consistent with the country’s CAPACITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

Onward & Upward towards, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

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