Dubai trade link to connect Botswana’s diamonds, copper and agricultural exports with global markets.
Dubai: Botswana’s diamonds, copper, minerals and agricultural exports are set to reach more global buyers through a new trade corridor linking Dubai and Gaborone.
DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group have signed an agreement to create Africa’s first multi-commodity sister-hub corridor, connecting Botswana’s emerging commodities exchange with Dubai’s global trade, finance and logistics ecosystem.
The partnership will span key sectors including diamonds, copper, coal, soda ash, critical minerals, beef and agricultural products, while establishing a dedicated Botswana presence within DMCC’s global commodity ecosystem.
Diamond tenders to kick-start trade corridor
One of the first initiatives under the partnership will link the Okavango Diamond Company with the Dubai Diamond Exchange through coordinated diamond tenders.
The first diamond tenders are expected to begin in late 2026, establishing a direct commercial link between Botswana’s diamond producers and Dubai’s global trading market.
The agreement will also promote collaboration on natural diamond initiatives through the Luanda Accord and the Natural Diamond Council.
Connecting producers with global markets
The partnership will focus on areas including trade finance, logistics, secure vaulting, digital infrastructure, professional training and knowledge sharing.
The corridor aims to provide Botswana’s producers with easier access to international buyers, investors, institutional capital and Islamic finance opportunities.
DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group will explore using DMCC FinX to expand financing options for Botswana-origin commodities.
The initiative will include Shariah-compliant financial solutions and the tokenisation of physical commodity parcels into real-world assets, creating new opportunities for institutional investors to participate in African commodity supply chains.
Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, said the agreement supports the country’s efforts to unlock greater value from its natural resources.
New commodities vault planned in Botswana
The partnership will explore the development of international standards and infrastructure to strengthen commodity trading across Africa.
A planned Botswana Mercantile Exchange vault in Gaborone is expected to become the first facility certified under the DMCC Global Good Delivery Standard.
The framework aims to enhance cross-border trade, improve commodity financing and promote greater transparency across emerging markets.
The agreement was signed in Singapore after the 41st World Diamond Congress, where DMCC also unveiled its Future of Trade 2026 report.
