Editor’s Note
This article outlines the implementation of the G7’s phased ban on Russian diamonds and the establishment of a new certification system to verify diamond origins. It highlights Botswana’s collaborative role in this evolving international framework.
A G7 import ban on Russian-origin diamonds came into effect on January 1, 2024. On March 1, 2024, the ban was extended to Russian diamonds processed in third countries within G7 jurisdictions.
On March 1, 2024, the first certification node capable of verifying the origin of rough diamonds and issuing G7 certificates became operational in the European Union. Following this development, the G7 diamond technical team and Botswana have intensified their collaboration to enhance traceability and transparency in the diamond trade.
To bolster Botswana’s capacity to certify rough diamonds for export in line with G7 requirements—aimed at preventing Russian-mined diamonds from entering G7 markets and ensuring supply chain traceability—teams from Belgium and Botswana conducted a comprehensive gap analysis. This assessment evaluated existing frameworks and pinpointed areas needing further alignment.
Consequently, Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team are now developing a roadmap to address the identified gaps, with the goal of making the export certification node in Botswana fully operational as soon as possible next year.
In his keynote address at the FACET event in Antwerp on November 26, 2024, His Excellency President Duma Boko of Botswana emphasized the critical role of ethical and sustainable diamond mining as a foundation for Botswana’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability within the industry.
he said.
The establishment of this certification node will strengthen Botswana’s standing as a responsible global leader in diamond production, providing assurance to international buyers and stakeholders. This initiative is anticipated to boost investor confidence, support economic growth, and promote ethical practices throughout the diamond supply chain. The G7 diamond technical team will continue to engage with other African diamond-producing nations, such as Namibia and Angola, to explore the establishment of additional export certification nodes.