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Botswana and De Beers extend diamond partnership
MUMBAI: The government of Botswana and De Beers Group have signed new agreements, securing a 10-year sales deal (with a potential five-year extension) and a 25-year extension of mining licences for their 50:50 Debswana joint venture, now running from 2029 to 2054.
Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, said the agreements will “underpin the success of our diamond industry” and bring stability to the market. De Beers chief executive officer Al Cook, called it “the world’s greatest public-private partnership.”
Key Agreements
* Mining Licence Extension: Ensures long-term value from Debswana’s assets, including Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground, and Orapa Cut-3.
* Sales Agreement: Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) will sell 30 per cent of Debswana’s output, increasing to 40 per cent after five years. In an optional five-year extension, both ODC and De Beers will each sell 50 per cent.
Economic Commitments
* Diamonds for Development Fund: De Beers commits BWP 1 billion ($75 million) and further contributions from Debswana’s dividends to drive economic growth and job creation.
* Local Beneficiation: Investments in diamond jewellery manufacturing, a grading laboratory, and a vocational training institute.
* Marketing Initiatives: Botswana and De Beers will co-invest in campaigns to stimulate diamond demand and uphold ethical standards.
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SPNI promotes Tavishi Budhiraja to vice president for HR and DEI
Longtime HR leader steps up to drive revenue teams and inclusion agenda
GURUGRAM: Sony Pictures Networks India has elevated Tavishi Budhiraja to vice president, HR business partner for revenue functions and diversity and inclusion, strengthening its people leadership across key business verticals.
In her expanded role, Budhiraja will oversee HR strategy for revenue-facing teams including ad sales across linear and digital, distribution and international business, while continuing to lead the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Budhiraja has been with the network for over 15 years, rising through the ranks from HR business partner for ad sales to assistant vice president, where she also took on the diversity and inclusion mandate. Her elevation reflects both continuity and a sharper focus on aligning people strategy with business growth.
Prior to joining SPNI, she worked with Reliance Communications as deputy manager, gaining early experience in human resources.
Announcing the move, Budhiraja said she looks forward to deepening impact and strengthening people strategies across teams, while continuing to grow within the organisation.
The promotion comes as media companies increasingly invest in talent and workplace culture to support evolving revenue models and digital expansion, making HR leadership a critical lever for long-term growth.
