The Just Transition Platform (JTP) Convening 2026 concluded on Thursday with delegates touring the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB),  where they gained first-hand insight into Botswana's diamond value chain and visited the country's largest diamond sorting centre.

The visit formed part of the four-day convening hosted by the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) in partnership with ITUC-Africa, which brought together about 40 delegates from across Africa and beyond to explore practical pathways for advancing a Just Transition.

Welcoming the delegation, DTCB Managing Director Ms  Serty Leburu underscored the importance of continental collaboration in driving Africa’s development.

“As countries from different regions, we need to grow Africa together. By doing so, we are able to support and care for one another,” she said, adding that through value creation, beneficiation and global partnerships, African countries could build stronger economies and improve livelihoods.

Ms Leburu also highlighted the enduring significance of diamonds to Botswana’s economy, noting that the industry continued to contribute to national development, employment creation and economic growth.

During the visit, delegates received an overview of Botswana’s diamond value chain and how beneficiation had helped maximise the value derived from the country’s natural resources.

The tour complemented discussions held throughout the convening on value addition, industrialisation and sustainable economic transformation as Africa pursues a people-centred and inclusive green transition.

The four-day convening, held under the theme: Weaving Just Transition Principles into Pathways, focused on translating Africa’s Just Transition principles into practical actions that promote decent work, sustainable development and shared prosperity across the continent. ENDS