mmegi

Gaborone slowly takes centre stage in global diamond world

One voice: Masisi, Cleaver and Moagi on Monday PIC: BWPRESIDENCY
One voice: Masisi, Cleaver and Moagi on Monday PIC: BWPRESIDENCY

Ten more cutting and polishing factories are due to open this year in the country, while 85 member states of the world’s leading diamond group are this week due to endorse Botswana to host their secretariat. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports that after years of campaigning, Botswana is gradually becoming the global hub for diamonds

According to official statistics from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, in 2021 Botswana was the world’s leading rough diamond producer by value, with output measured at $4.7 billion (P63 billion), comfortably ahead of rivals such as Russia, Canada, and Angola.

In terms of volume, however, Russia led the pack in 2021, producing 39.1 million carats, followed by 22.9 million for Botswana.

Editor's Comment
Deadly weekend demands immediate vigilance

The heartbreaking reports carried elsewhere on this publication of a woman killed in Metsimotlhabe and four family members perishing near Metsimaswaana Bridge are, devastatingly, not isolated incidents. They represent the sharp, painful tip of a weekend that has seen far too many collisions, injuries, and losses on the roads. This alarming spike in fatalities is a screaming siren we cannot ignore. It compels a direct and urgent plea to every...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up