Surat: Trade and industry bodies in the Diamond City are upbeat over the announcement of a proposed visit by Botswana President Duma Boko along with his cabinet in Jan, seeing significant business opportunities across the diamond, solar and textile sectors.The announcement was made during the visit of Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, to the city on Friday. Kenewendo participated in Explore Botswana, a strategic business engagement event organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).Botswana contributes nearly 30% of the global rough diamond supply, most of which is routed to Surat for cutting and polishing, as the city processes nine out of every ten diamonds worldwide.SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi said the Botswana President and his cabinet have accepted an invitation to attend SGCCI Global Village 2026, scheduled from Jan 24 to 26. “We have received confirmation of their visit to Surat. Meetings were held with minister Kenewendo and senior officials to finalise the agenda and programmes for the President’s visit,” he said.Earlier, an SGCCI delegation representing the diamond, solar, energy, and textile sectors visited Botswana during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit. The delegation proposed a Twin City initiative between Surat and Gaborone, focusing on urban development, technology and talent exchange, medical tourism, education, student exchange programmes, and regular business delegations and exhibitions. The proposal received a positive response, and an MoU for the Twin City partnership is expected to be signed during the President’s visit.During Kenewendo’s visit, Surat-based KP Group signed an MoU with the Botswana govt to invest $4 bn in renewable energy projects. The company plans to develop 5 gigawatts of clean energy capacity in Botswana in phases over five years.KP Group chairman Faruk Patel said the project would generate 500 megawatts by 2027, 2,500 megawatts by 2028, and 5 gigawatts by 2030. “The initiative is expected to create over 7,000 jobs during implementation and more than 1,500 jobs post-completion, while providing solar electricity to 100,000 homes,” Patel said. The Botswana govt will allocate 25,000 acres of land for the project, while the Indian government will ensure investment security. KP Group will also offer 30 scholarships annually to Botswana citizens for education and skill development.Kenewendo also visited the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Surat office and held discussions with representatives of the city’s diamond industry. The delegation was welcomed by regional chairman Jayanti Savaliya, with talks focusing on strengthening direct rough diamond access from Botswana to India, particularly through SNZ–SIDC, Surat.
