Antwerp, 28th June 2022: Botswana’s delegation comprised the First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, Her Excellency Mrs. Neo J. Masisi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Lefoko Moagi, as well as members of the Minerals Policy Committee.
His Excellency the President met with the President of the AWDC, Mr. David Gotlib, as well as key figures in the AWDC including the Vice- Presidents, the Members of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and members of the rough diamond bourse which is made up of key diamond industry players called the Antwerpsche Diamantkring (Kring).
His Excellency the President shared that Botswana aims to derive more value from all streams of the country’s precious diamond value chain and that the country will work with partners who share this ideal.
Adding that of paramount importance to his vision for a High-income economy is that there is more value retention for the development and empowerment of every Motswana through diamond beneficiation. His Excellency the President’s key message was that Botswana’s natural resources must benefit every Motswana.
The discussions also centered on the Kimberly Process to which Botswana attaches great importance, due to its foundational principles of eliminating the flow of illicit diamonds. His Excellency informed members of the Kring that Botswana is a candidate for hosting the secretariat of the Kimberley Process and urged them to use their influence, in their countries of origin to campaign for Botswana
