30 May 2019

Government intends to capitalise on benefits from diamond resources through downstream activities, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale has said.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK) show in Las Vegas, United States, Mr Molale said as the largest producer of diamonds by value, it was about time Botswana increased its participation in the diamond sector high end products.

The JCK event would show how diamonds and other materials could be transformed in to high end jewelry and Botswana would have an opportunity to learn from global industry leaders, said Mr Molale.

He said Botswana’s participation at the JCK show by a high powered delegation led by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was a commitment to realising downstream ambitions.

“It is also an opportunity to learn from global industry leaders as to what we can do to expand the diamond sector beyond just the downstream cutting and polishing industries, but to produce the jewellery products,’ he said.

Mr Molale also pointed out that as Botswana aspired to transform towards a knowledge based economy, diamond downstream activities would also empower citizens to develop into skilled and educated workforce in the industry.

“We also want to tie jewellery manufacturing and tourism in order to boost our tourism sector,’ he said. The JCK Las Vegas trade show gathers the most diverse mix of suppliers and products from around the world.

The show features leading trade associations, jewellery professionals, investors and media to discover what is new in the market, what is next and meaningful to their business through unique and personalised experiences.

The show will also provide an opportunity for Botswana to market the tourism sector to the De Beers clients and the luxury industry at large to collaborate with Botswana’s tourism offering, participating in one-of-a-kind experiences and supporting conservation.

The show will attract 30 000 participants and 2 300 high end jewellery exhibitors.

President Masisi will officiate at the show, while the First Lady Neo Masisi as Botswana’s Diamond Ambassador will also share on the role Botswana diamonds played in development of the country. ends