HB Antwerp plans expansion after gov’t deal
Friday, March 31, 2023 | 880 Views |
New beginnings: The first couple led dignitaries in a tour of HB Botswana’s facility on Monday morning
PIC: HB ANTWERP
HB Antwerp, a three-year-old firm that focuses on applying high technology to extract the best value from the diamond ecosystem, opened a state-of-the-art facility at the Diamond Technology Park on Monday.
Last November, the firm leveraged its technology, which includes robotics, to secure a ten-year deal with Lucara last year under which stones from Karowe bigger than 10.8 carats are sold to HB Antwerp at prices based on the estimated polished values, rather than the industry standard where traders purchase based on rough values.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...