Turning Rough Dreams into a Polished Reality? The Development of Diamond-Processing Capabilities in Botswana’s Diamond Cutting and Polishing Industry

Abstract

Botswana is the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value and since independence diamond revenues have contributed significantly to the country’s development. In light of imminent resource depletion, in 2005 the Government signed an agreement with the country’s largest diamond producer, DeBeers, to add value to diamonds by beneficiating them locally. By June 2014, 20 cutting and polishing firms, known as Sightholders, had been licensed and were operating in Botswana. These firms receive regular rough diamond allocations on a number of conditions, including training locals with cutting and polishing skills. Traditionally the cutting and polishing skills was a craft that was learnt through long apprenticeships. However, the technological revolution that started in the industry in the 1980s has changed the nature and mix of skills used in cutting and polishing process. Technologies like laser, computer numerically controlled machines and computer-aided design have increased accuracy and improved the quality of the polished diamonds. These technologies have also simplified the skills needed by production workers and simultaneously enhanced the skills required in machine maintenance.