11 Nov 2014

Government will continue to prudently use diamond revenue for the development of Botswana as it embarks on the final two years towards the attainment of Vision 2016 goals. 

The Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila, said this during the 45th anniversary celebration of diamond pipeline exhibition held in Orapa on November 8.

Mr Mokaila stated that as a diamond producing country, Botswana has and would continue to benefit from the positive spinoffs of diamond mining which included job creation, physical and social infrastructure such as roads, water supply, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare facilities, schools and human development.

The vision for diamonds, he said, entailed a flourishing diamond mining sector with Botswana continuing to build on its reputation as one of the most favourable mining destinations in the world.

He said it was worth noting that the initial three stages of the diamond pipeline which were predominant in the country, being exploration, mining, sorting and valuing, have not only created thousands of jobs over the years but have also created a commendable skills base.

As the diamond landscape in Botswana continued to evolve, he said they have seen the establishment of “cutting and polishing” as well as “jewellery manufacturing.”

Mr Mokaila observed that some success in the area of cutting and polishing with 21 companies operating in Botswana as well as the embryonic stages of jewellery design through Shining Light Diamond Design Awards which have been introduced by Diamond Trading Company Botswana(DTCB).

This, he said was a laudable development which would enable local aspirant young designers to hone their skills in the area and eventually lead to a fully-fledged diamond jewellery industry in Botswana. 

“Our country is committed to the full and responsible exploitation of the entire diamond pipeline from “mine to finger” as the saying goes,” he said. Another aspect of diamond mining that brought significant benefits to those involved was the supply of goods and services, he said.

He noted that with multitudes of developments taking place in the country, diamond commerce was set to grow substantially.

Mr Mokaila said there was no doubt that further opportunities and spinoffs would emerge from the proliferation of diamond activities and Batswana entrepreneurs were encouraged to take full advantage of these.

He however said the developments did not come without risks, “we must continue to tirelessly guard the reputation of Botswana’s diamonds and diamonds in general.” 

Government, he said has set up the Diamond hub in 2008, as a catalyst for the development of Botswana as a flourishing one-stop diamond centre.

Minister Mokaila said the development of a diamond exchange in Botswana was essential as part of positioning the country as a global Diamond Center and it would not only unlock value for the nation from other areas of the pipeline, but it would also directly contribute to economic diversification.

Another initiative aimed at tirelessly guarding the reputation of Botswana’s diamonds and diamonds in general, he said was Botswana’s participation in the Kimberly process. Mr Mokaila urged Batswana to continue showcasing the pivotal role played by diamonds in Botswana’s success story to international guests and other stakeholders.

Such demonstration of national pride creates bonds of friendship with locals and global citizens who then become diamond ambassadors and rightfully promote the reputation of diamonds and the country. ENDS