"There is continuity relating to the economic value of diamonds and the lasting one should be that those that benefited from diamonds should do the right things to ensure that the mining and depletion of diamonds was not only for them. Such continuity . . . should derive from quick adjustment to changed circumstances, by timely undertaking structural and policy reforms and by being deliberate and intentional in pursuing new and emerging growth pathways relevant to the new economy, the mix and diversity of generations and the new international order."
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Dr. Kealeboga Masalila
On 3-6 April 2025, CSASE had the privilege to host Dr. Kealeboga Masalila, Deputy Governor, Bank of Botswana, at Harvard University. Dr. Masalila's visit featured, most notably, two speaking engagements on topics salient for the long-term development aspirations of Botswana and the African continent as a whole. On 3 April, Dr. Masalila delivered a VIP lecture at the Harvard Faculty Club entitled Diamonds Are Not Forever: Pathways for Botswana's (and Africa's) Development in a New International Order, in which he discussed the prospects for, and challenges associated with, the diversification of Botswana's economy. On 4 April, he delivered a keynote address on Africa’s Youth Dividend – Maximizing Human Capital for Economic Prosperity at a Harvard Graduate School of Education conference titled "Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Education with Workforce Needs in Africa." In addition to his speaking engagements, Dr. Masalila's visit featured meetings with distinguished Harvard faculty and representatives of African student organizations.
About Dr. Kealeboga Masalila:
Dr. Kealeboga S. Masalila is the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Botswana, where he oversees the Research and Financial Stability, Financial Markets, Statistics and Data Management, Human Capital, Information and Communications Technology, Protective Services, as well as the Procurement and Property Management functions. Prior to being appointed Deputy Governor in 2016, Dr. Masalila was the Director of the Bank of Botswana’s Research and Financial Stability Department, a unit where he served most of his 30+ years with the Bank. He also worked in the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank and under the Special Appointee Programme at the International Monetary Fund, as well as at the Botswana Ministry of Trade and Industry. Dr. Masalila has a special interest in monetary and exchange rate policies and financial sector regulation and reforms and has authored numerous research and policy papers in these areas. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Botswana, an MPhil in Monetary Economics from Glasgow University, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester.
