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In Botswana, a nation long hailed for its remarkable economic growth, a troubling reality is unfolding as a significant downturn in the diamond industry has led to critical shortages in healthcare supplies. This has left many citizens, like Boitumelo Mosege, struggling to access essential medications, highlighting the profound economic impacts of the country’s reliance on diamonds.
Health Crisis Amid Economic Collapse
Boitumelo Mosege, a 53-year-old former farmer, is one of many residents of Molepolole grappling with the consequences of medication shortages. Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in late 2023, her health deteriorated rapidly, forcing her to leave her job and rely on sporadic support from her children and a modest pension from her mother. Despite Botswana’s promise of universal, free healthcare, Mosege has faced months without her prescribed treatment, leaving her desperate and feeling as though her life has been put on hold. “I felt like I had lost my life right there,” she lamented, recalling the day she was told to procure her own medication.
Nearby, Kelly Jansen, a full-time caregiver for her elderly father, echoes similar frustrations. With a third of her father’s pension devoted to essential medical supplies, she is on a quest to secure an electric wheelchair to enhance their mobility. “I want my life back,” she expressed, underscoring the emotional toll that the healthcare crisis has taken on families.
A Decline in Diamond Revenue
The economic downturn in Botswana has been stark, particularly following a precipitous drop in diamond prices, which have fallen by an alarming 60% over the past four years. With diamonds accounting for 80% of the nation’s exports, the decline has severely impacted public health funding and overall economic stability. President Duma Boko declared a public health emergency last year as systemic issues within the Central Medical Stores (CMS), the government’s procurement agency, became glaringly apparent. In an opinion piece for The Guardian, he pointed out that these problems had persisted for over a decade, exacerbated by a rising unemployment rate that reached 21% as of March 2025.
Experts like Thabo Lucas Seleke, a health policy lecturer at the University of Botswana, have long warned about the CMS’s inefficiencies and have called for urgent reforms. “It is a breeding ground for corruption,” he stated, highlighting an ongoing crisis that has affected the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
Unemployment and Economic Hardship
The ripple effect of the diamond industry’s struggles is felt throughout society. For many families, the impact has been devastating. Oratile Olorato Kgatle, a 26-year-old aspiring public relations professional, has faced an uphill battle in securing employment, applying for jobs for 18 months without a single interview. Her mental health has suffered as a result, illustrating how economic hardship can lead to broader social and psychological issues.
Phenyo Tanka, a mother of four, has also been forced to adapt. Following her husband’s redundancy as a mining engineer, the family has had to make drastic lifestyle changes, including cutting down on dining out and letting go of their domestic worker. Despite holding a degree in agriculture, Tanka has struggled to find work in her field since graduating in 2011. Undeterred, she has taken to selling homemade cakes and dreams of establishing a toilet paper factory, determined to pave a path of independence for her daughters.
Why it Matters
The situation in Botswana serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that arise from over-reliance on a single industry. As diamond prices plummet and healthcare systems falter, the nation’s citizens are bearing the brunt of economic mismanagement and insufficient support. This crisis not only threatens public health and well-being but also underscores the urgent need for Botswana to diversify its economy and invest in robust health infrastructure. As the country grapples with these challenges, the resilience of its people shines through, but the need for systemic change has never been more critical.
