The Diamond City of Surat is buzzing with anticipation following the announcement of a high-profile visit by Botswana's President Duma Boko and his entire cabinet in January 2026. Business and industry leaders see this diplomatic engagement as a gateway to massive opportunities, particularly in the diamond, solar energy, and textile sectors.
A Foundation Built on Diamonds and Diplomacy
The upcoming visit was confirmed during a strategic stop in Surat by Botswana's Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo. Minister Kenewendo participated in the 'Explore Botswana' event, organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI). This connection is deeply rooted in the global diamond trade, where Botswana supplies nearly 30% of the world's rough diamonds, with the majority being processed in Surat's cutting and polishing units.
Nikhil Madrasi, President of SGCCI, revealed that President Boko and his cabinet have accepted an invitation to attend the SGCCI Global Village 2026, scheduled from January 24 to 26. "We have received confirmation of their visit to Surat. Meetings were held with Minister Kenewendo and senior officials to finalise the agenda and programmes for the President's visit," Madrasi stated.
Twin City Initiative and a Mega Solar Power Deal
This visit follows an earlier delegation from SGCCI to Botswana, which proposed a Twin City partnership between Surat and Gaborone. The proposal, focusing on urban development, technology exchange, medical tourism, and education, was met with enthusiasm. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this partnership is expected to be signed during the presidential visit.
However, the most substantial immediate outcome is a groundbreaking renewable energy agreement. During the minister's visit, Surat-based KP Group signed an MoU with the Botswana government to invest a staggering $4 billion in renewable energy projects in the African nation.
Faruk Patel, Chairman of KP Group, outlined an ambitious plan to develop 5 gigawatts of clean energy capacity in phases over five years. The project aims to generate 500 MW by 2027, scaling up to 2,500 MW by 2028, and reaching the full 5 GW by 2030. "The initiative is expected to create over 7,000 jobs during implementation and more than 1,500 jobs post-completion, while providing solar electricity to 100,000 homes," Patel explained. The Botswana government will allocate 25,000 acres of land, with the Indian government ensuring investment security. Additionally, KP Group will offer 30 annual scholarships for Botswana citizens.
Strengthening the Diamond Pipeline
Minister Kenewendo's itinerary also included a visit to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) office in Surat. Here, discussions centered on strengthening direct access to rough diamonds from Botswana for Indian manufacturers, specifically through channels like SNZ–SIDC in Surat. This move aims to streamline the supply chain for the city's diamond industry, which polishes nine out of every ten diamonds in the world.
The confluence of these developments—from a high-level diplomatic visit and a twin-city pact to a multi-billion dollar energy investment—positions Surat at the forefront of a significantly deepened economic partnership between India and Botswana. The January 2026 visit is poised to transform promising discussions into concrete, long-term collaborations.
