The Botswana government-owned Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has been announced as the latest member of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). This marks a significant moment as ODC is recognised as the first non-mining entity to gain membership within the NDC.
The collaboration underscores ODC’s crucial role in the distribution of natural diamonds and reflects Botswana’s strategy to enhance consumer demand as a key to the future prosperity of the natural diamond market.
Strategic Membership
The inclusion of ODC in the NDC represents a key milestone, uniting two influential entities within the diamond sector. ODC’s annual contribution of over 6 million carats of rough natural diamonds, sourced entirely from Debswana—a partnership between the government of Botswana and De Beers—accounts for a substantial share of Botswana’s diamond production. This membership not only extends ODC’s reach in the market but also aligns with Botswana’s objectives to increase consumer interest and confidence in natural diamonds.
Highlighting the Okavango Blue
Central to ODC’s portfolio is the Okavango Blue, a 20.46-carat VVS1 oval brilliant, fancy deep blue diamond, showcasing the exceptional quality of Botswana’s diamond resources. This gemstone is indicative of the premium standards and ethical sourcing that ODC and, by extension, the NDC promote.
Shared Goals and Collaborative Efforts
The partnership is rooted in a mutual commitment to bolster consumer awareness and trust in natural diamonds. ODC’s Managing Director, Mmetla Masire, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are very excited to announce our support of the Natural Diamond Council.” He looks forward to “working with NDC to further our mission to provide the Botswana Government with a direct route to market for its rough diamonds and to support the ongoing transformation of Botswana into a leading rough natural diamond sourcing destination.”
David Kellie, CEO of the NDC, mirrored Masire’s sentiments, noting the importance of this union. “Okavango Diamond Company’s membership of NDC allows us to share the story of the Botswana natural diamond industry more widely with the world,” he said. Kellie anticipates that “We look forward to inspiring more consumers with the incredible story of Botswana’s diamonds and the positive impact that they have for Batswana.”
The cooperation between ODC and the NDC is expected to strengthen confidence among consumers and stakeholders, reinforcing the value of natural diamonds as significant for both their beauty and their contribution to the economic well-being of their countries of origin. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the diamond industry.
