Botswana has announced a strategic shift in its foreign and economic policy, deepening ties with Russia as global demand for rare earth minerals and diamonds intensifies.

Speaking in an interview with Russia Today (TR) Correspondent, Noluvuyto Kunge, President Advocate Duma Boko acknowledged that Botswana had long lacked a physical mission in Moscow, an anomaly now being corrected.

The move to establish a diplomatic mission in Moscow comes as the country seeks advanced technology and expertise for deep‑earth scanning and mineral prospecting, with nearly 70 per cent of Botswana’s territory still unexplored.

“We bring the resources under the ground; Russia brings the weight of knowledge, expertise, and technology that we need,” President Boko said.

And indeed, Russia boasts the biggest diamond company in the world – Alrosa, which is also one of the largest rough diamond producers in the entire world. Alrosa controls about 90 per cent of all diamond mining in Russia and accounts for roughly 30 per cent of global rough diamond production.

President Boko emphasised that collaboration with Russia is not only about exploration but also about protecting and authenticating the diamond market. The Kimberley Process, which Botswana has chaired, has seen strong Russian support, reinforcing Botswana’s leadership in the global diamond industry.

With Botswana contributing over 70 per cent of De Beers’ value, President Boko insists it must have commensurate influence in shaping the industry’s future. The partnership with Russia is therefore framed as a way to safeguard market stability and ensure Botswana reaps full benefits from its resources.

Boko dismissed concerns about Western sanctions, noting that global economic integration often overrides temporary political alliances. “You cannot ignore an economy like Russia’s,” he remarked.

Beyond minerals, President Boko highlighted the importance of regional cooperation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. The country pledged to focus on infrastructure, interconnection, and harmonised strategies to deliver tangible outcomes for citizens.

“We are here to recommit to action, tangible deliverable outcomes… transformative outcomes in the lives and livelihoods of our people,” Boko said on the sidelines of the recent 46^th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Durban, South Africa.

As Botswana positions itself at the epicentre of rare earths and diamonds, its embrace of Russia signals a pragmatic approach to securing technology, market protection, and geopolitical leverage in a rapidly shifting global economy.