Mr. Koolatotse Koolatotse, the deputy managing director of Debswana, has urged Botswana's Heads of Missions to play a role in promoting the country's diamond industry to international markets.
He emphasized the importance of these envoys as key stakeholders in communicating the ongoing impact of diamonds, which serve as Botswanas economic backbone, on the country's citizens and overall development. Speaking during the envoys' visit to the Jwaneng mine, Mr. Koolatotse highlighted the necessity for collaborative efforts to market Botswanas diamonds through their respective missions, especially amidst competition from synthetic alternatives.
He acknowledged the envoys' critical role, residing in countries where Botswana markets and sells its diamonds, and emphasized the timely opportunity to share the diamond narrative as prices fluctuate. Mr. Koolatotse expressed gratitude for their support, noting their strategic position in marketing Botswanas diamonds as the final stage of the diamond supply chain.
Furthermore, plans were discussed to establish diamond corners at various missions, providing comprehensive insights into diamond production and its socio-economic impact. These corners would also feature virtual tours of Botswanas diamond mines.
Mr. Koolatotse stressed the importance of aligning the diamond story with its inherent attributes, emphasizing themes of love and respect to give it a human touch.
Dr. Athaliah Molokomme, Botswanas Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland, emphasized the significance of transparent information sharing in advancing Botswana's diamond narrative globally. She expressed readiness to incorporate this into their strategic plans.
Similarly, Mr. Gilbert Mangole, the High Commissioner of Botswana to India, highlighted the need to target the Indian market more aggressively to counter the promotion of synthetic diamonds by the Indian government, which poses challenges to the sales of raw diamonds.
