Botswana is poised to become a second testing and certification centre for rough diamond exports to G7 countries. This development follows Belgium, the current exclusive certifier, after Russia lost its certification rights in January. As Africa’s largest diamond producer and the second largest globally, after Russia, Botswana is positioned to play a vital role in the diamond trade.
Starting January 1, 2024, the G7 implemented an import ban on diamonds of Russian origin. Additionally, on March 1, 2024, the G7 banned Russian diamonds processed in third countries. On the same date, the first certification node was launched in the EU, capable of certifying the origin of rough diamonds and issuing G7 certificates.
In response, the G7 diamond technical team and Botswana have strengthened their collaboration to improve traceability and transparency within the diamond trade. To build Botswana’s capacity to certify rough diamonds for export and align with G7 requirements—aimed at preventing the entry of Russian-mined diamonds into G7 markets and ensuring supply chain traceability—teams from Belgium and Botswana conducted a comprehensive gap analysis. This assessment evaluated current frameworks and pinpointed areas needing further alignment.
Consequently, Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team are developing a roadmap to address the identified gaps. The goal is to have the export certification node fully operational in Botswana by next year.
In his keynote address at the FACET event in Antwerp on November 26, 2024, H.E. Duma Boko, President of Botswana emphasised the significance of ethical and sustainable diamond mining as a fundamental aspect of the country’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in the diamond industry.
“Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” he said.
Creating this certification node will strengthen Botswana’s reputation as a responsible global leader in diamond production, reassuring international buyers and stakeholders. This initiative is anticipated to enhance investor confidence, foster 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 countries, such as Namibia and Angola, to explore the possibility of establishing additional export certification nodes.
