Source: https://rivet.global/blog/botswana-diamond-and-mining-suppliers-paying-abroad
Published: 2026-11-02 · Updated: 2026-11-02 · By William Sunjo M.

# Botswana's diamond and mining suppliers paying their own suppliers abroad

Botswana's mining suppliers import from South Africa, Europe and Asia. How to pay in the supplier's currency and keep payments controlled.

## Key takeaways

- Diamonds account for most of Botswana's exports, and copper mining is growing.
- Local mining suppliers import equipment and parts from South Africa, Europe and Asia.
- Paying suppliers in their own currency can lower prices.
- Verified bank details and second approvals protect against supplier fraud.

A Jwaneng maintenance contractor services equipment at a diamond mine. It buys hydraulic components from Johannesburg, filters from Germany and electrical parts from China. It earns pula and some dollars from mine contracts. Each month it sends half a dozen supplier payments abroad.

## Currency by supplier

- South Africa: rand.
- Europe: euros.
- China and global suppliers: dollars.

Compare each supplier's price in its currency with your cost of buying that currency.

## No exchange controls

Botswana has no exchange controls, so payments abroad are straightforward with normal banking checks.

## Controls

1. Verify supplier bank details at onboarding.
2. Confirm any change by phone with a known contact.
3. Require a second approver for each payment run.

## Records

Keep customs declarations, invoices, payment proof and the rate used for each import.

## Where Rivet fits

A Rivet business account accepts registered companies after verification, including Botswana companies. It pays suppliers in 120+ countries in their currency where available, with rates shown before you confirm and, from the Growth plan, second approvals. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.

## Questions

### Which currencies do Botswana mining suppliers pay in?

Rand for South African suppliers, euros for European, and dollars for many Asian and global suppliers.

### Can Botswana companies pay suppliers abroad freely?

Yes. Botswana has no exchange controls.

### How do I avoid supplier fraud?

Confirm changed bank details by phone with a known contact and require two approvers for payments to new details.

### What records should be kept?

Customs declarations, invoices and proof of payment, with the exchange rate used.