The diamond mines were a Godsend, and rapidly transformed the economy, increasing the revenue of the country from less than P10 million a year at Independence to over a billion today.” – The then Honourable Minister of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs, Mr A.M Mogwe, 1990. Debswana is the largest private sector employer in Botswana, with 5010 staff members. As at September 2024, there were 513 in DCC, 2,035 in Jwaneng, and 2,462 in Orapa. 

Most of these employees are mainly found at mining sites, along with over 5 000 fixed-term contractors and a small staff complement at the Debswana Corporate Centre in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. Debswana’s Diamond mining operations are located at Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa (OLDM) and Jwaneng. These four mines have contributed significantly to the economic growth of Botswana, as well as producing revenues responsible for lifting the country from one of Africa’s least developed, to an international development success story. Botswana is now a middle-income country independent in means as well as name.

Debswana is a key player in the national economy of Botswana, with diamond exports continuing to contribute significantly to government revenues and GDP.