SA backs Botswana’s bid to host Kimberley Process HQ :: Mmegi Online

South Africa has thrown its weight behind Botswana’s bid to host the Kimberley Process (KP) secretariat, an effort which, if successful, would place the country at the centre of maintaining the global diamond industry’s image.

Austria and China are also bidding to host the two-decade-old diamond group’s secretariat and lobbying is intensifying ahead of a vote scheduled for one of the Kimberley Process’ upcoming meetings. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is the world’s leading organisation for combatting conflict diamonds, encompassing 85 countries that represent producers, markets, and other interest groups.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi, in his recent international engagements, has met with other heads of state to lobby them for the secretariat, including senior French officials. The United States last November said it 'commended' Botswana for its willingness to host the secretariat.

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