A high-level delegation from the World Bank recently visited Botswana’s Orapa Mine, highlighting Debswana Diamond Company’s operational excellence and forward-thinking initiatives on the global stage.
The visit was hosted by Mogakolodi Maoketsa, General Manager of the Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM), and was aimed at offering the delegation a comprehensive understanding of Botswana’s diamond mining industry and its socio-economic impact.
During the tour, Maoketsa presented an overview of Debswana’s transformative role in Botswana’s national development. He underscored the company’s contributions to infrastructure development, community empowerment, and economic diversification — particularly in the Boteti Region, where the mines serve as critical engines for community development.
A focal point of the discussions was Debswana’s flagship initiative, “Orapa Today, Boteti Tomorrow,” which aspires to reposition Orapa as a future tourism and heritage destination post-mine closure. The initiative includes the development of a state-of-the-art game park and a mining museum, both designed to celebrate the area’s natural and cultural wealth while fostering sustainable economic opportunities beyond mining.
The visiting World Bank delegation, led by Liang Wang, expressed admiration for the mine’s advanced operational systems, strong safety culture, and responsible mining practices. Wang commended Debswana for its adoption of cutting-edge technology in its mining operations — a factor he said sets the company apart globally in terms of efficiency and environmental stewardship.
He further reaffirmed the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to support Botswana in its journey toward economic diversification, noting that the strategic vision demonstrated by Debswana aligns with global best practices in sustainable resource management.
Debswana, a partnership between the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group, remains central to the country’s economic architecture. Its continued investment in both operational excellence and community-centred initiatives exemplifies how natural resources can be harnessed responsibly to drive socio-economic development.
