Stargems, in partnership with the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School, has opened its Gaborone diamond training facility to the media, showcasing efforts to expand access to specialised skills and position Botswana as a regional centre for diamond education and expertise.
The media tour coincided with the facility’s first practical Rough Diamond Evaluation course in Botswana, where trainees handled and evaluated natural rough diamonds under the guidance of experienced trainers. The programme combines 12 weeks of theory with one week of practical training.
Neil Rademeyer, School Director of the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Training School, said the partnership could help turn Botswana’s diamond wealth into skills, enterprise and employment. He said the ambition is for Botswana to become a place where Africa comes to learn the diamond trade.
Stargems has committed approximately BWP4 million towards training bursaries, with more than 1,000 Batswana graduating over the past three years. Practical training fees will also be subsidised for citizens, widening access to specialised diamond skills.
The facility plans to introduce practical courses in diamond grading and polishing, targeting participants from Botswana, SADC and beyond. The initiative aims to develop expertise across more stages of the diamond value chain while attracting regional trainees to Botswana.
