“Botswana plays a significant role in the diamond industry as one of the largest producing countries – both by value and volume,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “Much of the benefit of that diamond production comes from Botswana’s forward-thinking decision to participate in every possible step of the value chain. It is a great source of pride for me and for everyone at GIA that we have had the opportunity to support this ongoing effort.”
The expansion includes more classroom space and supports GIA in advancing its goal of making Gaborone the destination for industry-leading gemological education in Africa. GIA established a diamond grading laboratory in Botswana in 2008 to better serve clients and the trade near where they operate. Today, GIA employs 95 people in Gaborone, including 65 that have been trained by GIA as diamond graders.
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