Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has expressed strong support for the integration of blockchain technology in the diamond industry, emphasizing its potential to ensure ethical sourcing and empower consumers to make informed choices.
Botswana backs blockchain for ethical diamonds
Botswana, the world’s second-largest producer of diamonds, is making significant strides towards ensuring the ethical sourcing of its precious gems. President Mokgweetsi Masisi has recently voiced his endorsement of blockchain technology as a means to guarantee the ethical origin of diamonds and promote responsible practices within the industry.
In a resounding statement, President Masisi highlighted the importance of blockchain’s immutable ledger in providing consumers with the assurance they need. He stated,
“Blockchain technology, with its immutable ledger, can provide consumers with the guarantee that their diamonds have been ethically sourced. It empowers consumers to make informed choices and encourages responsible practices throughout the supply chain.”
The world’s largest diamond trader, De Beers, has been at the forefront of implementing blockchain technology in the diamond industry. In 2018, they initiated a pilot program to test the potential of blockchain in tracing the journey of diamonds from their source to market. More recently, De Beers opened up its blockchain-based Tracr platform to key industry players, including Brilliant Earth, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the Gemological Science International (GSI).
Ensuring ethical diamond sourcing
The primary goal of De Beers’ Tracr platform is to provide consumers and industry stakeholders with a transparent and accountable system for verifying the ethical sourcing of diamonds. This groundbreaking blockchain-based platform enables purchasers to trace the entire lifecycle of diamonds, ensuring that they are ethically sourced and free from any unethical practices.
By offering this level of transparency, the Tracr platform aligns with the industry’s commitment to responsible mining techniques that safeguard the environment and ethical trading practices that empower local communities.
Botswana has long held a prominent position in the global diamond industry, with its vast diamond reserves making it the second-largest producer of these precious gemstones. Although recently overtaken by Russia in terms of production, Botswana’s commitment to responsible and ethical diamond sourcing remains unwavering.
President Masisi emphasized the need for Botswana to set the standard for integrity and social responsibility within the diamond industry. This commitment extends from ensuring that diamonds are mined using responsible techniques that minimize environmental impact to practicing ethical trading that benefits local communities.