CLAIM: Botswana Has Suspended Export Of Mineral Resources

Facebook user @BlackMovement claims that the President of Botswana has suspended all mineral exportation. The post, which was shared on November 16, had an image of Botswana’s President, Duma Boko; unprocessed diamond; and factory workers with the caption, “The President of Botswana has suspended all mineral exportation. This is wonderful! Your thoughts about this? Support Africa with your voice UxA”

When this report was published, this claim had about 8,470  likes, comments and shares.

VERIFICATION

In May 2025, it was reported that Botswana had amended its mining laws to encourage local processing of minerals before export. The new policy mandates that all diamonds mined within its borders must be cut and polished locally before export. This policy pushes companies to refine or beneficiate minerals inside the country, so that more value is retained locally. This is aimed at strengthening domestic industries, not stopping exports altogether.

New rules also require that mining concessions include greater participation of Botswana citizens, ensuring more local control and benefit-sharing. This has nothing to do with halting exports. Meanwhile, there is no report or official government source confirming that Botswana has suspended all mineral exports.

CONCLUSION

The claim that Botswana’s president suspended all mineral exportation is MISLEADING. Botswana is not shutting down mineral exports. The country recently adjusted its mining framework to ensure minerals bring more economic value at home before entering global markets.