De Beers rolls out Diamond Entrepreneur Programme
Opelo Rakereng | Wednesday February 18, 2026 06:00
The giant diamond company has officially launched the initiative which is a culmination of negotiations for a new sales agreement with Government of Botswana. Under the deal, De Beers committed to deepen local beneficiation and create meaningful opportunities for citizens within the diamond industry. The launch of the programme, in partnership with Raizcorp, also marked a significant step toward empowering Batswana to actively participate in the country’s diamond value chain. De Beers Self Representative, Baleseng Raditladi, said on Friday the programme attracted approximately 140 applications following a public call for submissions. After an initial evaluation process, 36 applicants were shortlisted. A further rigorous assessment reduced the number to 30 participants, who then attended a two day discovery workshop designed to assess both their business operations and individual entrepreneurial capabilities. Following the workshop, the cohort was narrowed to 20. Participants were required to demonstrate that they are operational businesses in Botswana, holding the necessary licences in one or more of the following categories: jewellery manufacturing, cutting and polishing, and precious stones dealing. In addition to compliance requirements, candidates were assessed on corporate governance standards, sector knowledge, and overall business viability. “It was not simply about ticking boxes,” Raditladi said.
“We were looking at what value each business would add to the industry. The first phase focused on discovery understanding who they are as business people, strengthening their foundations, and building networks that will support long-term growth,” she added. The programme follows a structured approach. From the current group of 20, the number will be reduced to 10, and ultimately five businesses will be selected to form the first cohort. These five will embark on an intensive five-year mentorship and development journey under De Beers’ guidance. Selection criteria are performance-based, focusing on business progress, competence, commitment to the programme, and measurable results on the ground. While the process includes pass-or-fail assessments, organisers emphasise that progression is centred on development rather than exclusion. Participants who do not advance will still benefit from the skills and exposure gained during the process. The programme brings together a diverse mix of participants, ranging from industry veterans with more than a decade of experience to second-year university students entering the sector. This diversity is intended to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger industry networks without compromising quality. Through Raizcorp’s business development expertise, the programme addresses critical gaps in financial management, market differentiation, customer acquisition, demand creation, and sustainable growth planning.
Participants are guided to develop 12 to 24 month projections, strengthen profitability strategies, and avoid common operational pitfalls. “The business is all about finance. You must make money. There must be profit,” Raditladi emphasised, underscoring the programme’s focus on building commercially viable enterprises capable of scaling sustainably. Every participants have already outlined ambitious growth plans, with one jewellery manufacturing and cutting business has set a target of creating up to 250 jobs in the long term, supported by strategic equity partnerships. Others have highlighted the need for entrepreneurial resilience and sector-specific expertise to survive and thrive in Botswana’s competitive diamond market. Beyond individual business growth, the initiative seeks broader economic impact. By strengthening citizen-owned enterprises across the value chain from rough stones to finished retail products, the programme aims promote youth employment, and increase local value addition.