Botswana will become the second verification node for rough diamond exports to G7 countries, joining the first node in Antwerp, Belgium.
According to a statement by the government, Botswana is currently developing a roadmap to address any gaps and the new export certification node is expected to be operational by early 2025.
A verification node is a designated location where rough diamonds are examined and certified to verify their origin, ensuring they are not sourced from sanctioned countries, particularly Russia, before entering a specific market like the G7 nations.
The G7 countries banned Russian-origin diamonds in January 2024 and further banned all diamonds mined in Russia but cut and polished in other countries in March 2024.
"The inclusion of Botswana as a verification node will reposition the country as a responsible global leader in diamond production. It will improve investor confidence strengthen economic growth and promote ethical practices across the broader diamond industry," government said in a statement.
The EU will implement its tracing system to monitor the origin of diamonds from Botswana in March 2025.