New York – President Boko met United States Secretary of Commerce Howard William Lutnick yesterday at the 80th United Nations General Assembly to discuss tariff relief for Botswana’s diamond exports.
By mid-September, Botswana and the US had tentatively agreed on a provisional 15 percent tariff, down from the 37 percent duty announced in April. The talks aim to secure a long-term trade agreement that could lower tariffs further and strengthen trade partnerships.
The US is Botswana’s largest diamond market, importing around $500 million in Botswana diamonds annually. Officials said a reduced tariff would expand the country’s export opportunities and attract private sector investment. 
President Boko noted that Africa’s growth depends on a strong private sector, but outdated legal and regulatory frameworks continue to discourage investment. He called for reforms to create a business-friendly environment, describing them as essential for unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
