The Government of Botswana, in collaboration with the diamond sector, has launched the 60 Years of Diamond Leadership Initiative and unveiled diamond-embedded medals for the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26.
The launch, held at the Botswana National Museum, marks a shift in Botswana’s diamond positioning from resource extraction to broader economic and social value creation, with a focus on provenance, downstream development and international engagement.
The initiative brings together companies across the diamond value chain, including Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), De Beers Group, Debswana Diamond Company, Diamond Trading Company Botswana, Lucara Botswana and KGK Diamonds, under the House of Botswana platform.
ODC partnered with Ankit Gems and SRK, which covered the cost of polishing Botswana’s natural diamonds, alongside Nungu Diamonds. The collaboration aims to link diamond polishing, jewellery manufacturing, creative industries and sport-led global outreach.
Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy, said Botswana’s next phase will focus on advancing provenance, expanding citizen participation and accelerating downstream activities.
President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko highlighted diamonds’ role in supporting infrastructure, healthcare and education, positioning the World Athletics Relays as an opportunity to strengthen Botswana’s global standing.
The medals, embedded with Botswana natural diamonds and sponsored through ODC, are intended to connect the country’s diamond resources with international sport, reinforcing visibility and value creation beyond mining.
The event also showcased Botswana’s creative economy, with local artists featured in the Main Gallery, integrating cultural expression into the country’s diamond narrative.
An enterprise development component includes the Tokafala-supported Leteise Tote Bag project. Debswana has trained 34 textile operators, primarily women from mining communities such as Boteti, with products curated by AfroFusion for international trade platforms.
Jacob Kelebeng, Minister of Sport and Arts, acknowledged industry and stakeholder collaboration in delivering the initiative.
The programme aligns with Botswana’s strategy to translate mineral wealth into public value, supporting enterprise development, tourism, creative industries and global positioning.
