Barclays renews appetite to finance diamond traders

Bullish: Van der Merwe
Bullish: Van der Merwe

At a time when most financers are trimming exposure in the diamond sector, Barclays Bank Botswana has expressed a fresh appetite to finance rough purchases by local diamond cutting and polishing firms.

Local diamond manufacturers bought diamonds worth $500 million from De Beers last year, which was a 46 percent decline from the 2014 supply.

At least 22 sightholder firms are licensed to buy diamonds from De Beers in Gaborone for cutting and polishing before export.

Editor's Comment
The corrupt must be punished

The findings reveal a disturbing pattern of misconduct and lack of transparency that cannot be ignored.The Tribunal, led by Judge President Justice Kabelo Lebotse, has rightly condemned the Ministry for its eyebrow raising conduct in awarding a P1.8 billion water tender to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (Pty) Ltd and Zhong Gan Engineering & Construction Corporation (Pty) Ltd.The award was made despite alleged clear evidence that...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up