The Group of Seven (G7) will work with the government of Botswana to form an export verification point for rough diamonds to enhance transparency in the trade, revealed the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). 

Botswana will receive support and expertise from AWDC, which has been operating as a G7 verification and certification hub since March 1, 2024 to ensure that diamonds of Russian origin no longer gain access to G7 markets.  

Earlier this year, AWDC underscored the importance of having multiple export verification points and an inclusive approach, in which African diamond-producing countries are regarded as full-fledged partners in efforts to foster traceability and responsible mining in the diamond industry. 

“The Belgian Diamond Office, the import and export body that implements the most rigorous physical and administrative controls, is globally recognised as the benchmark for transparency – a role we take immense pride in,” said Karen Rentmeesters, CEO of AWDC. “We are now sharing this carefully built knowledge and technical expertise with other countries like Botswana. Essentially, we are offering a blueprint that meets today’s requirements for compliance and transparency.”  

A comprehensive analysis of Botswana's existing control system was conducted to identify areas where further alignment is needed with G7 system requirements. As a result, Botswana and the G7 are working together on a roadmap to make the export verification point for rough diamonds in Botswana operational as soon as possible, AWDC said.