05 Dec 2022

 The desire to transform Botswana from a leading diamond producer by value to a global diamond centre is taking shape as revealed during President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s tour of the Stargems factory house.  Stargem is one of the leading players in the diamond industry specialising in the manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing of jewellery.

In an interview post the tour, acting Minister of Minerals and Energy Mr Thulagano Segokgo said the launch of Stargems in Botswana represented the country’s ambitious plan to chart its own course in the diamond industry.

“The establishment of Stargems in Botswana is indeed a welcomed development in positioning Botswana as a diamond centre and I was especially impressed by the little time and speed they took to relocate to Botswana after being granted the license,” Minister Segokgo said.

He said government should be applauded for creating an enabling and favourable environment through the diamond policy which had been drafted in a manner that balanced government’s objective of beneficiating its natural resources as well as offering a level playing field for its investors.

Regarding Stargems facilities, Minister Segokgo said it was pleasing that the company had brought in some state-of-the-art technology which was in line with the country’s level of commitment and desire to promote diamond supply chain beneficiation.

He said it was also notable that the company had a diamond training centre something which was valuable in enhancing skills transfers and ensuring local participation in the diamond industry.

“The addition of a training centre will ensure that Batswana are directly involved both in the handling of rough diamonds and the entire diamond value chain,” Minister Segokgo said.

For his part, Stargems’s chairperson Mr Shailesh Javeri said the company was committed to contributing towards transforming Botswana into a diamond centre.

Stargems started its operation locally in August employing over 100 Batswana in its first enrolment, a figure which he said was bound to increase once the company operates fully.

Mr Javeri said what set Stargems apart from other companies was the fact that the company had acquired the DaVinci system, a first in the Southern African region which demonstrated their desire to add value to rough diamonds in Botswana. The technology, which he said was also recently introduced in Dubai, cuts and polishes diamonds quicker and with swag.

“Stargems is the first company to set up a DaVinci Diamond Factory in Botswana and the acquisition of this unparalleled technology reflects our commitment and vision for diamond beneficiation in Botswana and the entire region,” he said.  He thus emphasised the company’s commitment to employment creation and skills transfers as well as creating a new set of skills for citizens. ENDS