Antwerp Diamond Companies Offer Humanitarian Aid in Botswana

Botswana’s minerals and energy minister visited the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) this week to thank 18 of its member companies for providing the African country with humanitarian aid.

After Botswana declared a national public-health emergency in August, the AWDC coordinated a fundraising project among the city’s diamond businesses to donate life-saving medicines and medical supplies. The financial support will help more than 35,000 people in Botswana, including diabetes and cardiac patients, receive urgent medical care for a full year, the AWDC said Wednesday.

Minerals and Energy Minister Joy Bogolo Kenewendo expressed her appreciation during her two-day visit to the city’s diamond district this week.

“Antwerp’s swift and generous response during Botswana’s medical emergency shows the true strength of our long-standing partnership,” she said.

The companies that supported the project were Andre Messika, Ankit Gems, Anita Diamonds, Bonas Group, Choron – AMC, Dali Diamond, Dharm Diam, Ferrari, HB Antwerp, Malca Amit, Pluczenik, Rosy Blue, Rubel & Ménasché, Samir Gems, Sheetal, Shivam, Taché, and Veediam.

“The relationship between Botswana and Antwerp is built on trust, transparency and shared values,” said AWDC chairman Isidore Mörsel. “The fact that 18 Antwerp companies were immediately ready to help in a moment of real need shows that our cooperation goes far beyond trade alone.”

The supplies are set to arrive in Botswana early next year, according to an AWDC spokesperson.

“With this collective effort, we show how the diamond sector — undeniably an important economic engine — can also generate a direct and tangible positive impact in producing countries,” Mörsel added.

Image: Joy Bogolo Kenewendo (right), Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, and Isidore Mörsel, chairman of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), in front of a gumball machine containing synthetic diamonds. (Antwerp World Diamond Centre)