A final shipment of life-saving medicines, made
possible through the financial support of 18 Antwerp diamond companies and
coordinated by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) in partnership with the
Government of Botswana, has arrived in Gaborone. The medicines will provide
approximately 35,000 patients living with cardiovascular disease and diabetes with a
year’s supply of essential treatment.
The initiative reflects the enduring partnership between Botswana and the Antwerp diamond
community, one founded not only on trade, but on shared values, mutual respect and a
common commitment to improving lives.
The collaboration was launched following Botswana’s declaration of a State of Emergency in
2025 in response to a critical shortage of essential medicines. Recognising the urgency of the
situation, 18 Antwerp diamond companies came together to provide financial support for
the procurement of life-saving medication. AWDC coordinated the initiative on behalf of the
participating companies, working closely with the Government of Botswana to ensure the
medicines reached the people who need them most.
During a visit to Antwerp in November 2025, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy,
Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, thanked the participating companies during an event hosted at
the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), acknowledging their solidarity with the
people of Botswana during a time of national need.
Botswana remains one of the world’s leading producers of natural diamonds and shares a
decades-long partnership with Antwerp, the world’s premier diamond trading centre. In
2025, diamond trade between Botswana and Belgium was valued at approximately US$963
million, reflecting an economic relationship that continues to create value for both countries.Today’s delivery demonstrates that the natural diamond value chain can deliver benefits
beyond commerce by supporting the health and wellbeing of the communities that make
the industry possible.
Isidore Mörsel, President of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, said:
“The partnership between Antwerp and Botswana has always been built on trust, respect and
a shared vision for responsible natural diamonds. When Botswana faced an urgent
healthcare challenge, our industry responded because our relationship extends far beyond
commercial transactions. We are proud that the natural diamond sector could stand
alongside Botswana at a critical moment and contribute to improving the lives of thousands
of people. This initiative demonstrates how strong partnerships can translate into meaningful
and lasting impact.”
Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, said:
“Botswana’s partnership with the Antwerp diamond community has long been built on
shared prosperity, trust and mutual respect.
This initiative is a powerful reminder that the natural diamond story is ultimately about
people; that responsible natural diamonds should continue to create value not only through
economic growth, but through investments that improve lives.”
Hon. Stephen Modise, Botswana’s Minister of Health, said:
“We often say there can be no wealth without health. By helping secure essential medicines
for thousands of Batswana, our partners have demonstrated that the natural diamond
industry can be a force for sustainable development, resilience and shared human progress.”
From the Ministry of Minerals & Energy
This partnership underscores the broader contribution of the natural diamond industry to
sustainable development in Botswana; We recognize all the efforts, collective and individual
towards responding to the call for universal healthcare , illustrating how strong public-
private collaboration can help address urgent societal challenges while strengthening the
long-term relationship between producing and trading nations.
