In the high-wattage world of JCK Las Vegas where luxury meets commerce, sparkle is currency. The President of Botswana, H.E. Advocate Duma Boko, arrived at this year’s event not just as a head of state, but as an embodiment of charisma. He’s someone who knows the language of the heart as well as he does trade and markets. In conversation with Robb Report’s Watch and Jewelry editor, Paige Reddinger, his language kept returning to the word love.
For President Boko, love is not an abstract ideal; it is the engine behind Botswana’s diamond story, the moral compass for its democratic journey, and the guiding principle in its economic vision. His approach is passionate yet strategic, pairing Botswana’s hard-earned credibility with a willingness to embrace global partnerships, innovation, and cultural authenticity.
In this exclusive fireside conversation, President Boko speaks on everything from safeguarding the value of natural diamonds, to building investor trust, all fortified by the “fundamental niceness” of Botswana. He expresses his vision of the country as a diamond capital in every sense.
Here, we distill insights from the in-depth conversation into a set of defining themes, a blueprint for a nation in motion, if you will.
Watch the full conversation below.
Botswana’s Presence on the World Stage
For President Boko, Botswana’s participation at JCK is about more than market share; it’s about presence and visibility. “We are here to tell the story, our story, the story of our country, an energetic, young democracy rising and claiming its rightful place, not just on the southern tip of the African continent, but in the world at large,” he says, framing diamonds as both an economic anchor and a cultural narrative. The message is clear: Botswana is not just a supplier, but a partner that’s sustainable, ethical, and committed to leadership in the global diamond industry.
Democracy as the Bedrock of Trust
Pointing to the recent peaceful transfer of power after 58 years of one-party rule, Boko positions Botswana as a safe haven for investment. “Our democratic roots run deep,” he says, “when you choose to invest in Botswana, of one thing, if nothing else, you can be certain that your investments are safe. That Botswana is the right place to place your investments, your resources, and your capabilities,” he adds underscoring that political stability is not just a point of pride but a competitive advantage in attracting long-term partners.
H.E. President Advocate Duma Boko is Robb Report Africa‘s inaugural cover feature.
Robb Report Africa
Natural Diamonds Are Incomparable and Everlasting
Against the rising tide of lab-grown stones, Boko draws a firm line. “Natural diamonds”, he insists, “are anchored on love. They represent a tangible expression and manifestation of something that cannot be grown in a laboratory and so…natural diamonds make their own case. We stand firm in asserting their authority, their superiority, and that they are the reason countries thrive and communities survive.” He argues that natural diamonds carry the provenance, heritage, and human stories that will outlast lab grown diamonds when tested by time.
Building Botswana as a Diamond Capital
Beneficiation, bringing more stages of the diamond process into Botswana, is already underway. Boko extends an open invitation to investors to join this transformation, citing the nation’s “fundamental niceness” as part of its appeal. His goal: Make Botswana synonymous with excellence in cutting, polishing, certification, and design. The President envisions a future where Botswana is not only a supplier of diamonds but a creator of signature jewelry brands. Drawing inspiration from traditional forms and landscapes, he sees the potential for designs that merge local heritage with global craftsmanship, telling stories with cultural resonance.
Navigating Tariff Challenges And Expanding Global Alliances
On potential U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration, Boko is confident: “Engage honestly, engage openly.” He sees dialogue as the path to zero tariffs, pointing to Botswana’s strong bilateral ties and the mutual benefits of a thriving natural diamond trade.
While maintaining its Western partnerships, Botswana is also deepening ties with India, a nation with historic and economic links to its diamond industry. Boko sees this as a gateway to expanding into new markets while reinforcing existing ones.
Beyond Diamonds Lies A Diverse Economic Vision And Investor-Centric Incentives
Tourism, green energy, infrastructure, and education all feature in the President’s diversification strategy. He champions experiences that go beyond the Okavango Delta, including mining tourism at sites like the Jwaneng mine while also ensuring the country’s workforce is skilled for future industries.
Botswana’s approach to investment incentives is bespoke, not “one-size-fits-all.” Through agencies like BITC and the Special Economic Zones Authority, Botswana tailors packages to meet each investor’s needs, smoothing the path from entry to operation.
A Nation Defined by Love and Leadership
Botswana’s story is one of enduring values like love, trust, and the pursuit of excellence expressed through diamonds and far beyond. President Boko’s vision is both grounded in heritage and ambitious in scope, positioning Botswana as a nation ready to shape its own destiny in the global arena.