Botswana has partnered with the G7 diamond technical team to establish an export certification node in the country by 2025 to enhance traceability and transparency in the diamond trade between Botswana and G7 markets.
“Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” stated Duma Boko, President of Botswana.
The certification platform is based on a framework created by Botswana and Belgium in early 2024, and follows the launch of the first certification node for rough diamond origin verification in Europe in March, 2024. According to the European Union, the certification will boost investor confidence in Botswana’s diamond industry and stimulate the flow of investments across the country’s value chain.
The G7 diamond technical team plans to collaborate with other African diamond markets, including Angola and Namibia, to develop additional certification nodes, a development welcomed by Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy.
He said the platforms will help prevent disruptions in diamond trade between African markets and G7 countries, emphasizing Namibia’s commitment to integrating these new nodes with the existing Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to enhance the transparency of the diamond trade.
