DiamondBuzz
Diamonds mined in Botswana should be polished locally: President Boko
Botswana President Duma Boko has called for a significant policy change in the country’s diamond industry, urging that all diamonds mined in Botswana be cut and polished locally before export. This move is intended to maximize the economic benefits of the nation’s mineral wealth and stimulate job creation.
Policy Shift: President Boko stated that no mineral will leave this country without being processed, emphasizing that diamonds and copper concentrate must undergo local value addition before export.
Current Practice: Currently, most of Botswana’s rough diamonds are sent to India and other manufacturing centers for cutting and polishing. Efforts to establish local factories have faced challenges due to high operational costs.
Government Initiative: The president made these remarks in Setswana at a community meeting in Ramotswa, highlighting the government’s commitment to a robust beneficiation program aimed at transforming the national economy The announcement was reported by The Projects Magazine and shared on its Facebook page, reaching a wide audience.
Polishing all Botswana diamonds locally, as recently urged by Botswana’s president, could have significant implications for India’s diamond polishing industry, though the immediate impact may be limited and gradual. If Botswana mandates that all rough diamonds be cut and polished locally before export, India’s diamond manufacturers would receive less Botswana-origin rough, potentially reducing their raw material supply
Botswana is one of the world’s leading diamond producers. Historically, the country has exported rough diamonds for processing abroad, missing out on added value and employment opportunities at home. The government and De Beers have previously attempted to attract investment in local manufacturing, but progress has been slow.
President Duma Boko’s call for all Botswana diamonds to be cut and polished locally marks a bold step toward economic transformation. If implemented successfully, this policy could reshape the country’s diamond industry and set a precedent for other resource-rich nations.
DiamondBuzz
International Diamond Premier League to be held in Hong Kong
Designed as a community-building initiative, IDPL uses cricket to connect major natural diamond hubs on a single platform.
The third edition of the International Diamond Premier League (IDPL), a cricket tournament created for the global natural diamond community, will be held in Hong Kong from 19 to 22 March 2026.
Following its earlier editions in Belgium and India, IDPL 3.0 will bring together leading diamantaires and industry partners from Belgium, India, and Hong Kong for four days of competitive cricket and networking.
The Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 22 March 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, and will be attended by industry leaders, dignitaries and invited guests.
Designed as a community-building initiative, IDPL uses cricket to connect major natural diamond hubs on a single platform. By bringing together teams from India, Belgium and Hong Kong, the league highlights the shared interests of manufacturing, trading and retail centers that drive the natural diamond pipeline.
The Hong Kong edition aims to strengthen collaboration among diamantaires, manufacturers, retailers and service providers across continents, while also promoting confidence in natural diamonds by emphasizing their rarity, craftsmanship and enduring emotional value. The event also underscores Hong Kong’s position as a strategic bridge between East and West for the diamond and jewellery trade.
Through its matches and associated activities, IDPL 3.0 places the spotlight on natural diamonds and the people behind the industry—from cutting and polishing specialists to high jewellery houses and secure logistics providers—demonstrating a collective commitment to integrity, excellence and long-term growth for the natural diamond sector.
SimStar Asia Limited, part of the Sim Gems Group and a Hong Kong-based manufacturer and supplier of high-end natural diamonds, is the Title Sponsor, while Lamha Gems Limited joins as Diamond Sponsor supporting the league’s mission to bring international diamantaires together.
Among the other partners, Ferrari Group, a global specialist in secure logistics for jewellery, luxury goods and precious metals, is the Platinum Sponsor, while Malca-Amit Group of Companies, known for secured delivery, vaulting and trade-show logistics for the diamond and jewellery trade, is the Gold Sponsor. Hong Kong-based high jewellery house Dehres will support the initiative as the Silver Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to the natural diamond trade.
Team sponsorship also reflects the industry’s global participation. Anita Diamonds, represented by Chirag Shah, is sponsoring the Belgium team, showcasing the dynamism of Antwerp’s diamond community. Meanwhile, H S Jogani, led by Ronak Jogani, is sponsoring the India team, highlighting India’s longstanding leadership in diamond cutting, polishing and trading.
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