Editor’s Note
As the world’s largest diamond producer by value, Botswana faces a pivotal moment. President Masisi’s call for technological investment underscores a critical shift needed to secure the industry’s future amid global innovation. This move highlights the broader challenge for resource-dependent economies to adapt and thrive.
Botswana is the world’s largest diamond producer by value. However, in the face of global innovation advances, President Masisi has urged diamond-producing countries to invest in technology to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, has stated the need for diamond-producing countries to incorporate technology into the sector to foster sustainability. President Masisi spoke at the FACETS Conference in Gaborone, Botswana.
The FACETS Conference was launched by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) in 2022 with the aim of providing a platform for inclusive dialogue among industry players across the entire value chain, to address the challenges and opportunities that will drive the industry in the future. In his speech, Masisi asserted that diamond-producing countries should invest in research and development initiatives that minimize the environmental impact of diamond mining.
Furthermore, to address the issue of conflict diamonds entering the markets, President Masisi affirmed the need to employ blockchain technology for diamond tracing.
Earlier this year, President Masisi’s administration announced plans to acquire a 24% stake in Belgium-based diamond manufacturer HB Antwerp, which describes itself as “the savoir-faire of Antwerp with the power of technology to create a completely new ecosystem for natural diamond trade.” Some of its patented technologies include an automated robot for polishing diamonds, a blockchain-based diamond tracker, and a stereoscopic microscope for diamond observation.