The Government of Botswana and De Beers Group have announced the first cohort of graduates selected for the newly launched International Graduate Development Programme (IGDP), one of several key initiatives stemming from the transformative Sales Agreement signed in February 2025.

Join our WhatsApp channel for more news updates on De Beers

The programme officially commenced this month, marking a significant milestone in Botswana’s efforts to equip young professionals with world-class skills and international exposure.

The two-year IGDP offers high-achieving Batswana graduates placements across De Beers Group’s global operations, providing training in leadership, innovation, and technical expertise. The initiative is designed to build a pipeline of future leaders capable of contributing to Botswana’s evolving economy and strengthening its global presence.

Following a rigorous selection process, the first group of graduates represents a diverse range of academic disciplines including business intelligence, data analytics, project management, accounting and finance, economics, law, engineering, human resources, marketing, logistics, and supply chain management.

Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo said the launch of the programme marks a proud moment in Botswana’s partnership with De Beers.

“The selection of the first IGDP graduates marks a proud milestone in our partnership with De Beers Group. As part of our new Sales Agreement, this initiative reflects our commitment to equipping Botswana’s youth for the future of work.

It’s about more than individual success—it’s about shaping a new generation of leaders to drive innovation and progress for all Batswana. Congratulations to the inaugural cohort,” she said.

ALSO READ: De Beers’ latest ‘beacon’ a shift in consumer desire

De Beers Group Chief People Officer Malebogo Mpugwa echoed the sentiment, noting that the programme builds on the company’s long-standing commitment to nurturing local talent.

“De Beers Group has long supported the growth and diversity of Botswana’s talent pipeline and we are pleased to be building on that track record by welcoming the first cohort of IGDP participants to our business, where we know they will make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable skills and exposure that will benefit their own careers and Botswana’s future success,” said Mpugwa.

The IGDP will be run every two years, with a new cohort selected biennially. It forms part of a broader Talent Development Programme introduced under the new Sales Agreement, which includes:

• Postgraduate Sponsorship Programme for Master’s and PhD students, launching in October 2025.
• Internship Programme offering three to six-month placements for final-year students at De Beers Global Sightholder Sales (DBGSS) in Gaborone, starting December 2025.
• Leaders Accelerator Programme for senior Batswana professionals within De Beers, Debswana, and DTCB.
• Government Leadership Programme providing international secondments and committee appointments.
• The upcoming Diamond Entrepreneurship Programme, aimed at supporting innovation within the sector.

The initiative underscores Botswana and De Beers’ shared vision of creating sustainable pathways for youth empowerment and economic transformation through skills development and leadership growth.