Botswana signs agreement to host Kimberley Process Secretariat

Botswana recently signed an agreement to host the Kimberley Process Secretariat, five months after its establishment. The Kimberley Process Secretariat is set to lead the charge against the trade in conflict diamonds, aiming to ensure ethical conduct in the diamond trade. In an interview with CNBC Africa, Lefoko Moagi, the country's Minister of Mines and Energy, discussed the significance of this agreement and the expectations moving forward. The Minister highlighted the importance of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in tracking the provenance of diamonds, emphasizing the need for ethical mining practices and transparency in the diamond trade. Botswana, as a major producer of diamonds, has been a staunch supporter of the certification scheme and sees the Secretariat's establishment as a step towards enhancing accountability and ethical standards in the industry. One key point raised by Minister Moagi is the need for technological advancements to complement the Kimberley Process. He emphasized that technology can play a crucial role in improving the certification process, ensuring the traceability of diamonds from their source to the consumer's hands. The Minister also addressed concerns about the potential impact of technology on natural diamonds, expressing confidence that technology will only enhance the industry's adherence to environmental, social, and governance protocols. Another crucial aspect discussed in the interview is Botswana's expectations as the host country of the Secretariat. Minister Moagi emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical conduct in the rough diamond trade and enhancing accountability in tracking the origins of diamonds. By ensuring transparency and ethical practices, Botswana aims to strengthen the marketing and trade of its diamonds, instilling confidence in consumers about the diamonds' provenance. Looking ahead, Minister Moagi outlined areas for improvement within the Kimberley Process, such as streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing logistical arrangements and security measures. He stressed the need for continuous evolution within the Kimberley Process to remain relevant and effective in combating conflict diamonds. The Minister expressed optimism that with a common and permanent Secretariat, these issues can be addressed and resolved. In conclusion, Botswana's role as the host of the Kimberley Process Secretariat underscores its commitment to ethical diamond trade practices and transparency within the industry. With the Secretariat in place, Botswana aims to further strengthen its position as a key player in the global diamond trade, promoting the values of accountability, ethical sourcing, and consumer confidence.