Botswana and France have strengthened their cooperation in the global diamond industry after signing a declaration committing to reserve the term “diamond” exclusively for natural stones.
This is in a move aimed at protecting the identity and market positioning of natural diamonds against synthetic alternatives.
The Paris Declaration on Natural Diamonds: Drivers of Responsible, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth was signed yesterday in Paris by Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, on behalf of Botswana, and France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Nicolas Forissier.
The agreement advances Botswana’s longstanding position that laboratory-grown stones should not be marketed as diamonds, with President Duma Boko reiterating the call during his State of the Nation Address on Monday.
The declaration seeks to safeguard the integrity and value proposition of natural diamonds, strengthen consumer confidence and reinforce their contribution to economic growth, trade, investment and sustainable livelihoods in diamond-producing countries.
It further recognises natural diamonds as a rare and finite resource, underscoring the importance of distinguishing them from synthetic alternatives in the global marketplace.
For Botswana, one of the world’s leading diamond-producing countries, the declaration carries particular economic significance as the country marks its Diamond Jubilee.
Diamonds have played a central role in the country’s economic development, fiscal stability and nation-building.
The agreement also signals strengthened diplomatic and economic cooperation between Botswana and France, particularly in advancing the interests of the natural diamond industry.
