The announcement was jointly made by Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy and De Beers Group, with Dr. Adesina expected to formally assume office on June 15, 2026.
The Government of the Republic of Botswana and the De Beers Group have appointed a former African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, as Chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund, a new initiative aimed at driving Botswana’s economic diversification through diamond wealth.
The announcement was jointly made by Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy and De Beers Group, with Dr. Adesina expected to formally assume office on June 15, 2026.
The Diamonds for Development Fund was established as a strategic partnership between the Botswana government and De Beers Group to ensure that the country’s diamond resources contribute directly to long-term economic transformation, innovation, beneficiation, and job creation.
Dr. Adesina, an internationally recognised development economist and global leader, brings nearly four decades of experience in African and global development.
