The President of Botswana, His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has appointed Nigerian banker and investment executive, Mr. Farouk Gumel, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the newly launched Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Limited (BSWF), a multi-billion-dollar vehicle designed to diversify the nation’s economy beyond diamonds.

Gumel, who is also former Chairman of Union Bank Plc and Vice Chairman of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, is the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria’s Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). His appointment was announced during the official launch of the BSWF at the President’s office in Gaborone.

Speaking at the launch, President Boko described the creation of the fund as a historic milestone in Botswana’s development strategy.

“The launch of the Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund represents an investment in the future of our country. It is about creating jobs, driving growth, and ensuring that our nation’s wealth works for all Batswana. This is a foundation upon which we will diversify our economy, open new frontiers of opportunity, and build lasting prosperity for future generations. We are sending a message to the world that Botswana is ready to compete, invest, and lead,” he said.

The BSWF Is intended to channel Botswana’s resource revenues into strategic investments across infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy, reducing reliance on diamond mining. It is expected to become one of Africa’s largest sovereign wealth funds.

According to the President, “Farouk Gumel will chair a deeply experienced and diverse board selected to provide comprehensive and strategic oversight. The board’s composition reflects a powerful blend of local expertise and global vision, uniting key national and international figures.”

The board includes Ms. Emmah Peloetletse, Head of Service to the Government of Botswana and Vice Chairperson of the BSWF; Ms. Malebogo Mpugwa, Chief People Officer at De Beers Group; Mr. Anil Dua, Co-founder of Gateway Partners and Non-Executive Director of Afreximbank; Mr. Boingotlo Toteng, Senior Managing Partner of Toteng & Company; Mr. Sunil Sabharwal, former U.S. Executive Director to the IMF; Mr. Lesego Caster Moseki, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Botswana; and Mr. Rizwan Desai, former Chairman of the Botswana Stock Exchange.

On his part, Gumel pledged transparency, good governance, and long-term value creation.

“As a sovereign wealth fund, we are setting our sights on a future built on transparency, good governance, and a steadfast dedication to Botswana’s prosperity. The Board Is committed to delivering lasting value, seeking global opportunities and investing for the future,” he said.

Economic analysts have welcomed the launch, noting that Botswana’s decision to blend global investment expertise with strong national leadership signals serious intent to build resilience and attract world-class partners.

Gumel, who also chairs WACOT Rice and sits on the boards of the Corporate Council on Africa and the Africa Business Coalition on Health, brings extensive experience in sovereign wealth management, manufacturing, and agribusiness to his new role. (AriseNews TV)