The government has taken a decisive step toward fostering an ecosystem of enduring partnerships with knowledgeable and skilled entrepreneurs in the minerals value chain to boost revenue earnings.
President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi made this assertion during the Akh-Ba-Ka exhibition of a necklace by Lucara Diamond Company, led by Andre Messika Diamonds, on Friday. He underscored the significance of structured partnerships with foreign direct investment entities to realize the countrys economic objectives as a diamond-producing nation. The aim, he stated, is to ensure that diamonds benefit all citizens.
President Masisi highlighted the governments proactive approach to empowering the majority of citizens to actively engage in the diamond industry. "We aim to capitalize on the finances and programs provided under the new diamond agreement, a part of the recent transformative sales agreement with the De Beers group," he said.
He emphasized the commitment to expanding the mineral beneficiation sector, which includes efforts to involve more locals in various aspects of the minerals sector. He stressed the importance of not solely focusing on diamond extraction but also on the entire diamond value chain, encompassing cutting, polishing, marketing, designing, and retailing jewelry.
"The countrys technical capacity should no longer be concentrated solely on the upstream scale of diamond mining but rather on active participation in the entire diamond value chain," he remarked.
Furthermore, the President stated that Batswana must acquire knowledge and skills for diamond cutting, polishing, marketing, selling, as well as participating in jewelry design, manufacturing, and retailing to compete in the global diamond trading and fashion scene.
He praised the addition of local jewelry designing to the diamond industry and expressed satisfaction with the government's collaboration with Andre Messika Diamonds, renowned for its transparency and traceability in diamond production.
President Masisi commended Lucara-Karowe mine for unearthing quality gemstones and contributing to Botswanas development, attributing Lucaras success to the enabling environment created by the government and the company's support for local communities, sports, and the creative industry.
He expressed optimism about Botswana benefiting from the establishment of Andre Messika Diamonds' cutting and polishing factory in the country, anticipating job creation for locals and a market for Botswana diamonds.
Mr. Andre Messika, the managing director of Messika Diamonds, pledged to assist the government in promoting Botswana diamonds globally, highlighting the countrys potential for significant economic and social development through effective leveraging of its diamond resources.
