ANGLO American has identified a preferred bidder for its stake in De Beers, leaving Botswana to decide how it will exercise its right of first refusal, Reuters quoted a government minister saying on Friday.
Moeti Mohwasa, Botswana’s minister for state president, defence and security, told parliament that Anglo had run a competitive process among three shortlisted parties before settling on the Global Diamond Consortium, the newswire said. He said the consortium’s plan to bring in Angola and Namibia was a positive development.
Mohwasa did not name the consortium’s members but said finding an experienced operator with stable, long-term backing and a credible turnaround plan was a priority.
Botswana, which already holds 15% of De Beers, retains full freedom to either join the preferred bidder as a partner or exercise its pre-emption rights independently or with another party, he said, adding that the government was consulting financial advisers on the best structure.
An Anglo American spokesperson said the sale process was continuing and updates would follow in due course.
Mohwasa said he expected the deal to close by the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to conditions including Botswana’s approval.
