Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), the Botswana state-owned trader, has begun registering its rough diamonds on the Tracr blockchain platform, a step aimed at enhancing transparency across the supply chain.
Initial onboarding will include rough stones in the 0.75- to 1.50-carat and 2- to 10-carat size ranges, ODC and Debswana Diamond Company — the 50-50 joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government — announced Sunday. The move aligns with tightening global import regulations, including new Group of Seven (G7) requirements, and is expected to increase the volume of traceable rough diamonds entering the international market, according to the companies.
Tracr, a blockchain platform De Beers developed to track diamonds from source to sale, enables established records of origin for each ODC diamond. The measure supports responsible sourcing and responds to growing demands from regulators and consumers for supply-chain transparency, the companies emphasized.
“By joining the Tracr platform, we are strengthening our commitment to transparency and ensuring that Botswana’s diamonds are recognized for the ethical legacy they represent,” said ODC managing director Mmetla Masire. “This step is not just about technology; it’s about trust, responsibility, and shaping a future where provenance is as valuable as the diamond itself.”
Executives from Debswana and Tracr also highlighted the role of transparency in reinforcing consumer trust, meeting regulatory expectations and promoting Botswana as a leader in global diamond traceability.
Image: Rough diamonds. (Okavango Diamond Company)
