*Debswana brings stars to the Diamond City
*Over 700 athletes from 40 nations descend on Botswana
This weekend, history doesn’t just knock; it sprints as Botswana becomes the heartbeat of world athletics, with the fastest nations on earth storming into Gaborone for the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, the first time the global showpiece is staged on African soil.
Debswana, the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value, has remained true to its sustainability promise of conducting business in a manner that positively impacts the people and the environment in which it operates.
The company, established in 1969 as a 50/50 joint venture between the Botswana Government and the De Beers Group, has added to its long list of milestones by becoming the title sponsor of the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026 the first edition to be hosted on the African continent.
The mining company, which has been integral to Botswana’s success story as a middle-income country with a stable economy, has invested P16 million for the historic spectacle at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
The Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone ‘26 are scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday (2–3 May), and the world’s heavy hitters have already arrived in the Diamond City to light up the iconic aquarium race track.
According to Debswana’s Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Wanatsha Moakofi, this partnership positions Debswana to showcase Botswana on the world stage while promoting the natural diamond story and its impact on communities and economic growth.
“This is not just about legacy. We want this to be a reference point for everyone who will be coming here. The true story of our diamonds will be told through 150 broadcasters covering this event, and from now on everyone across the four corners of the globe will know Botswana,” said Moakofi.
Moakofi added that the event will deliver extensive international visibility, with the aim of generating over 102 million online impressions, broadcast coverage in 130 countries and territories, and attendance by more than 100 accredited journalists and photographers.
A premier supporter of sport in the country, Debswana has invested over P180 million over the past 10 years to foster development across various sporting codes. At a time when very little was known about Botswana’s athletics, the diamond mining company played a major role in supporting the efforts of the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), helping to unearth raw gems such as Amantle Montsho, Isaac Makwala and Letsile Tebogo.
With an impressive local and global track record in sports development, Debswana was undoubtedly the right choice as a reputable title sponsor for the continent’s first World Athletics Relays.
“The relays sponsorship is just our continued commitment to growing sport and seeing our stars achieve global status,” he said.
All eyes will be on Botswana this weekend as all six winning teams from the 2025 World Relays return to defend their titles in front of a passionate crowd.
Among the notable names expected to race this weekend are USA sprinters Ronnie Baker and Courtney Lindsey, who were part of the triumphant men’s 4x100m team at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.
The ever-present Andre De Grasse leads his Canadian teammates Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney and Aaron Brown in the 4x100m relay.
A serious battle is expected between the 2025 World Athletics Relays champions South Africa and the 4x100m relay world champions USA.
The South Africans have named a very strong squad led by anchor Akani Simbine, alongside Bradley Nkoana, Sinesipho Dambile, Cheswill Johnson, Retsjidisitswe Mlenga and Tsebo Matsotso.
While they are not yet world beaters, Botswana’s men’s 4x100m team could be a surprise package in front of home support.
The team has achieved significant success, setting a national record of 38.19 seconds to win at the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Douala, led by Letsile Tebogo.
This achievement broke the 39-second barrier, secured their qualification spot, and elevated the team’s standing on the global stage.
The toast of the weekend, however, will be the country’s 4x400m team led by world number one 400m sprinter Collen Kebinatshipi.
Botswana has established itself as a global powerhouse in the 400m, winning the 2024 World Athletics Relays and securing gold at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
In front of the home support and spurred on by the sparkle of diamonds, can Botswana’s men and women deliver another memorable performance on the world stage?
