De Beers and Signet Jewelers met their local teams in Botswana and discussed future collaboration opportunities for natural diamonds.
The diamond group said the visit to Botswana also seeks to identify opportunities to promote the positive economic impact of natural diamonds.
Signet chief executive Gina Drosos said since the discovery of diamonds in the country and through their ongoing commitment to the country, Botswana has enjoyed one of the world’s fastest per capita economic growth rates.
“More than a quarter of national GDP derives from diamonds, and revenues from the diamond industry have also transformed education, healthcare and infrastructure,” she said.
De Beers chief executive Al Cook said the two companies stretch from Botswana, the leading diamond producer, to the United States, the leading diamond market.
“We share a passion for natural diamonds and the good they can bring,” he said.
“As we deepen our commitment to supplying diamonds from Botswana, we are also strengthening our relationship with Signet in the United States and beyond.”
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
