GABORONE, BOTSWANA — Botswana has opened its first training centre for rough diamond valuation, offering practical training to international standards in one of Africa’s largest diamond producers.
Headquartered in Gaborone, the institute was founded to train locals across the diamond value chain and improve their employability. Some images show students analysing rough diamonds with magnifying glasses, writing down what they see, and learning in practical classes.
“It is basically to upskill and train people, so they are more employable for the diamond industry in Botswana,” explained one instructor. “We teach somebody to look at a rough diamond and determine, firstly, whether it is a diamond, and secondly, to determine what I should pay for this rough diamond or parcel of rough diamonds. Then we have our diamond polishing course, where we practically teach the guys to polish diamonds.”
Through the laboratory, local individuals gain easy access to mining and gemmology. One female student said the technical training supplements her occupational health and safety course and helps her explore job opportunities in an otherwise male-dominated industry.
The launch of the practical training institute comes as Botswana seeks to expand domestic value addition and retain more technical expertise from its most vital natural resource, following a challenging period for the global natural diamond market.
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