The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration between the G7 nations and Botswana to establish a diamond certification hub aimed at enhancing transparency in the global diamond trade.
A Step Toward Responsible Sourcing
Botswana’s new certification hub will benefit from AWDC’s expertise. Since March 1, 2024, AWDC has operated a G7 diamond certification center to prevent Russian-origin diamonds from entering G7 markets. This partnership represents a significant extension of these efforts.
Earlier this year, AWDC emphasized the importance of having multiple export certification hubs to ensure inclusivity. This approach positions African diamond-producing nations as integral collaborators in advancing traceability and ethical sourcing practices within the diamond industry.
Sharing Expertise for a Global Standard
AWDC CEO Karen Rentmeesters stated, “The Belgian Diamond Office operates under the strictest global physical and administrative controls, setting an international benchmark for transparency. We are proud to share our decades of knowledge and expertise with countries like Botswana.”
Rentmeesters highlighted that AWDC has conducted a thorough analysis of Botswana’s existing control systems to identify areas requiring alignment with G7 standards. The roadmap being developed aims to ensure Botswana’s certification station becomes operational as quickly as possible.
A Vision for the Future of Diamond Trade
This collaboration reflects the evolving priorities of the global diamond trade, focusing on compliance and transparency. By positioning Botswana as a leader in ethical diamond certification, this partnership seeks to promote sustainable practices while meeting the growing demand for traceability.