Botswana has taken a major step in its battle to protect the future of natural diamonds after joining the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), as competition from synthetic gems intensifies across global markets.
The southern African nation was officially admitted as an affiliated member of the global diamond-trading body during the WFDB International Summit held in Gaborone on Monday, May 18, 2026, a move that industry leaders say could strengthen Botswana’s push to dominate the market for ethically sourced natural diamonds.
Speaking at the summit, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, said the country is no longer content with simply being one of the world’s largest diamond producers.
“For decades, Botswana has been a trusted source of the world’s finest natural diamonds. But our ambition now goes beyond mining, to bring the diamond industry home and deepen economic participation for Batswana,” she said.
Botswana remains the world’s leading producer of gem-quality diamonds, with the sector serving as a critical pillar of the country’s economy for decades. Diamond revenues have historically funded infrastructure projects, healthcare systems, education programmes, and other public services.
