Beyond Mining: Building a Diamond Economy

Botswana, long known for its diamond wealth, is now focused on value addition and local benefaction. Rather than exporting rough stones, the country has invested in polishing centers, training schools, and jewelry manufacturing to retain more value from its minerals. 

Partnering with Private Sectors

In partnership with De Beers, Botswana has established the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) and Okavango Diamond Company to sort, value, and sell diamonds domestically. Local sight-holders now purchase and polish stones before exporting. Keeping wealth within the country. 

Training the Next Generation

The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and diamond academies are training youth in gemology, mining engineering, and jewelry design. Thousands have graduated into a growing midstream sector that didn’t exist a decade ago. 

Exporting Brilliance 

Botswana made polished diamonds and high-end jewelry are now reaching markers in India, the U.S., and China. New brands with “Okavango Sparkle” are showcasing Botswana’s craftsmanship and creativity on the global stage. 

A Blueprint for Mineral-Led Development 

Botswana's Diamond diversification strategy is proving that resource rich countries don’t have to be resource cursed, if they focus on skills, infrastructure, and downstream innovation. 

Fintech That Works for Everyone

PalmPay, a mobile money platform launched in Nigeria in 2019, is quickly becoming one of the continent’s fastest growing fintechs. With its user-friendly app, cashback rewards, and agent network, PalmPay is reshaping digital finance for millions of Nigerians. 

Explosive User Growth 

By mid 2025, PalmPay has over 30 million requested users, up from just 5 million in 2021. Its daily transaction volumes surpass $200 million, and the platform is especially popular among youth and informal workers. 

Rewarding the Everyday User 

PalmPay’s app offers instant transfers, bill payments, airtime top-ups, and merchant payments. Cashback incentives and amplified savings tools help retain users and promote financial literacy. 

Its widespread network of over 500,000 agents allows users to deposit and withdraw cash even in remote areas. 

Strong Backing and Ambition 

PalmPay is backed by Transsion Holdings (maker of Tecno, Infinix, and Itel phones) and Chinese investors including NetEase. Its integration into low-cost smartphones has made it widely accessible, even to first-time digital users. 

Expanding Across Africa

The platform has expanded into Ghana and is eyeing markets into Francophone West Africa. With scale, simplicity, and trust, PalmPay is well on its way to becoming a dominant player in Africa's mobile money race.

East Africa’s Telecom Titan 

Kenya’s telecom giant Safricom has reached a new milestone: surpassing KES 388 billion (approx. $3 billion) in annual revenue, making it the first company in East Africa to cross this threshold. With services spanning telecommunications, digital finance, health tech, and enterprise solutions, Safricom remains a regional powerhouse. 

M-Pesa: The Cashless Engine 

A key contributor to this success is M-Pesa, the mobile money platform that revolutionized digital finance in Africa. In 2024, M-Pesa transactions exceeded KES 1.4 trillion ($11 billion) monthly, with over 60 million active users across Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

M-Pesa now includes business banking tools, merchant payment systems, and cross-border transfer capabilities. 

Diversification Pays Off 

Beyond mobile money, Safricom has invested in health tech (M-TIBA), agriculture (DigiFarm), and enterprise cloud services. Its Ethiopian operations, launched in 2022, have already gained over 6 million subscribers and continue to grow. 

Impact Beyond Profits

Safricom has also played a key role in job creation and digital inclusion. Through its foundations and innovation hubs, it supports education, startups, and women-led enterprises. 

Setting the Bar for African Telecoms

With continued investment in 5G, fintech, and cross-border infrastructure, Safricom is not only Kenya’s most valuable company, it’s a blueprint for integrated digital growth in emerging markets.