Zoe Diamonds (Pty) Ltd

This is what localization and beneficiation of Botswana's diamonds looks like. It is not a one size fits all approach, and it is not for a select few. It takes different stakeholders from the global business community to drive it forward by committing to the cause. It will take time, persistence and consistency to reach certain milestones. It was a pleasure for us to have hosted Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) last week. It was definitely a meeting of great minds.

Our highlight for the previous week was hosting Mr. Montwedi Bakwena from the FNBB FirstPreneur Program. A two-year business support program which is facilitated by TheNeoHub Innovation Lab and FNB Botswana, that we as Zoe Diamonds (Pty) Ltd have been enrolled on. We engaged in very insightful discussions and gave him a tour of our facility. One of the key points we discussed was the potential that manufacturing has for job creation, and the program facilitators' commitment in seeing to it that all the businesses enrolled on this program succeed and create multiple jobs for young Batswana across the country. Which is something that resonated so much with me Ada Thela as the founder and Managing Director of Zoe Diamonds. One of the main motivators for me going into this line of business was the potential that it has for job creation. Over and above my love for diamonds, and my appreciation for what they have done for us as a country. Unemployment is a huge problem in Botswana, particularly youth unemployment. Our aim as Zoe Diamonds is to contribute meaningfully and considerably towards the reduction of Botswana's current unemployment rate which is approximately at 35% (788,000). As a brand, we are all about; aspiring to create more jobs, youth empowerment and equal economic opportunity for all. Although the conversation is often times economic diversification, which advocates for the development of industries away from the diamond value chain. Which is good! Which ought to be done! We have not yet tapped into the full potential and scale of what the entire diamond value chain has to offer. Therefore, as different stakeholders within the diamond value chain of Botswana, let us strive to develop the value chain beyond mining and exploration. Given that the mid-stream segments (diamond manufacturing) and downstream segments (jewellery manufacturing and retail) have great potential for job creation. During my apprenticeship years with CONSTELL GROUP, I had the privilege of going to India for a period of 3 months. There, their one factory had close to 1200 employees in one building! Surat (a city in India), also referred to as the diamond city- employs close to 1 million people in diamond manufacturing. We need to come up with solutions, unique to us that can help us do the same on our soils!

Word from the Managing Director: Ada Thela August was a pretty tough and challenging month for us, I believe it was more or less uniform or the same across the board for all players in the industry, and it is attributed to the slump in prices of rough diamonds (although the smaller sizes are performing a bit better), which has weakened demand. The ripple effect has led to slow sales at the moment which we hope for some normalcy and stability in the coming month(s). Traditionally, July and August are usually very slow months, we saw De Beers cancelling and calling off their August sights, which they have combined their August and October sights for the month of September. We are of the opinion that leading up to the close of the year, the market conditions for rough will be on the downside and perhaps a shift towards the positive in the first quarter of 2025. There has been the need to shift in our business approach to be agile whilst diversifying our approaches to business ‘unusual’ as a start-up, in the niche segment of the diamond value chain, we strive to adapt and be able to weather the tough conditions in the diamond industry at a global level, as we are operating in the midstream segment of the diamond value chain. Despite this, the month of August has its very good lessons, which we will be able to draw as business learnings for the future, and we can draw from them and build better as we move forward. Tough times exist but they will come and go, but only tough people will weather the storm. Botswana as a country, will soar which is evident in the discovery of the 2nd largest diamond in the world! As a business that seeks to protect livelihoods. It breaks our hearts to see the downside of what is happening in the market. Which has also led to retrenchments and closures of businesses, which often goes against the intention of adding value to our communities. Diamonds are pivotal to Botswana’s economy, and we hope that things get better in the diamond industry to drive a turnaround. We urge our government and its related stakeholders to aggressively market the natural diamonds from Botswana. That is indeed the backbone and foundation of our economy. We are also hoping the Mpox outbreak does not further hurt efforts to revive our economy post the COVID-19 pandemic. Our door is open for further engagement with new clients and government stakeholders, let us keep striving to build better. Your valued support is sincerely appreciated. Thank you. #naturaldiamonds #PushaBW #DiamondsDoGood #BotswanatotheWorld #ZoeDiamondstotheWorld #localization #beneficiation #youthparticipation #ValueAddition

These are truly exciting times for us as the nation of Botswana, and our local diamond industry. Lucara Diamond's latest recovery of an exceptional 2,492 carat diamond from its Karowe diamond mine in Botswana. Makes this the largest diamond ever recovered from Botswana, and the second largest rough diamond in the world! Today's article presents some of the most frequently asked questions we get about diamonds in Botswana. BW💎 💎 💎 BW #PushaBW #naturaldiamonds #BotswanatotheWorld #LucaraDiamond #ZoeDiamonds #DiamondsDoGood

Let's engage! It would be interesting to know which diamond cuts are popular in your region.

Read our first article about Botswana's diamond industry and our value addition services within the midstream segment of Botswana's diamond value chain/pipeline . 💎 #PushaBW #naturaldiamonds #diamondsdogood #BotswanatotheWorld #ZoeDiamondstotheWorld #jobcreation

What do the statistics say about diamond trade in Botswana? The April 2024 International Merchandise Trade Statistics from Statistics Botswana shows that diamonds were the leading export commodity group with a contribution of 75.2% of all principal exports. In Africa, diamonds from Botswana were exported to Namibia and South Africa, whilst the UAE, India, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Belgium and the UK topped the charts as export destinations for diamonds mined in Botswana. The statistics highlight emerging markets, gauge competition and identify export opportunities for responsible diamonds sourced from Botswana.     Who is Zoe Diamonds (Pty) Ltd? We provide diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services to both local and international business and government entities. We are strategically positioned in the midstream segment of the diamond value chain in Gaborone, Botswana, to meaningfully contribute towards the value addition of Botswana’s diamond value chain.  Why work with us? We are fully registered and licensed - We offer full diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services. We have experienced professionals - we have thorough and in-depth knowledge of the product, processes and systems. This enables us to deliver both the diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services. In a manner that meets our clients’ requirements and expectations. We have the technical support of an industry captain - CONSTELL GROUP is our technical consultant. Constell Group has over 25 years of experience in the diamond industry, and operations globally. We operate from a world-class facility - that has the certification of the highest diamond industry’s standards and is the largest diamond manufacturing factory in Botswana. We strictly deal with ethically and responsibly sourced gem quality diamonds – We are registered with the best and largest local bourses. This gives our clientele the opportunity to purchase the best gem quality diamonds from Botswana. Natural diamonds from Botswana’s best mines.  As we all know the sheer beauty, splendor and wonder of Botswana’s diamonds (gem quality; in some of the biggest sizes you will ever see, best clarities (IF – VVS2s etc.), best colors (D-F) and some of the most vivid fancy colors, best models (crystal shapes, sawable etc., with potential for high yields, fluorescence -mostly none to medium). Second to none- Globally! We value integrity and honesty - these are core values that drive the ethos of us doing business and are in embodied in our day-to-day operations with our esteemed clients.  We are home grown talent – We are drivers and pushers of localization, beneficiation, and youth participation in Botswana’s diamond industry. We are firm believers that the youth are the leaders of now and tomorrow. We employ and empower young Batswana with industry related skills. Drive Botswana’s economy forward by working with Zoe Diamonds today. Reach out to Ada Thela on adathela@gmail.com

What a time to be a Motswana! Particularly a young Motswana! So proud of the BW Olympics team. 🇧🇼♥️🇧🇼

Why choose Zoe Diamonds (Pty) Ltd? 💎 Full registration and licensing - that offers full diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services. 💎Experienced professionals – We have thorough and in-depth knowledge of the product, processes and systems. This enables us to be fully capable of delivering both the diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services. In a manner that meets our clients’ requirements and expectations. 💎Technical support of an industry captain- CONSTELL GROUP is our technical consultant. Constell Group has over 25 years of experience in the diamond industry, and operations globally. 💎We operate from a world-class facility - That is has the certification of the highest diamond industry’s standards and is the largest diamond manufacturing factory in Botswana. 💎 Ethically and responsibly sourced gem quality diamonds – We are registered with the best and largest local bourses. This gives our clientele the opportunity to purchase the best gem quality diamonds from Botswana. Natural diamonds that have been ethically and responsibly mined, from Botswana’s best mines. As we all know the sheer beauty, splendour and wonder of Botswana’s diamonds (In some of the biggest carats you will ever see, best clarities (IF – VVS2s etc.), best colours (D-F) and some of the most vivid fancy colours, best models (crystal shapes, with potential for high yields, ranging roughly from 30% - 48%, fluorescence -mostly none to medium blue). Second to none- Globally!   🤝 Integrity and honesty - Core values that drive the ethos of us doing business and are in embodied in our day-to-day operations with our esteemed clients.   🌍 Working with home grown talent – We are drivers and pushers of localization, beneficiation, and youth participation in Botswana’s diamond industry. We are firm believers that the youth are the leaders of now and tomorrow. That the youth of Botswana are catalysts for economic growth. We believe that the youth of Botswana have so much talent, intrinsic value and innate power that is yet to be tapped into and harnessed. The kind that can compete with our global counterparts and come out first! This is exemplified by us as Zoe Diamonds (Pty) Ltd, the likes of Lesego Chombo, Letsile Tebogo, Keamogetswe Adjoa Saubi, Dr Goitseone Tanki Thebe and countless others. We believe that over and above the natural diamonds themselves and the economic value they bring for Botswana and her people. The true gems of Botswana are its people! We work daily with the goal and aim of sowing back into the nation of Botswana and enhancing local content participation in the diamond value chain.   Zoe Diamonds – “Shaping the story of Diamonds Together”. Get in touch with Ada Thela today.   #naturaldiamonds #diamondsdogood #PushaBW #ZoeDiamonds #roughdiamonds #BotswanatotheWorld #diamondmanufacturing #diamondtraceability #jobcreation #valueaddition

Get to know Ada Thela, our Founder and Managing Director.  Ada has spent more than 7 years in the diamond industry. Having been introduced to the diamond industry through the first cohort of Okavango Diamond Company’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program (ODC YEP1 - 2016/17). She then went on to be a Management Trainee at WDM-Botswana for a period of two years (2017 -2019). Subsequently she became the General Manager’s apprentice for four years (2019-2023). Having sourced start-up capital from CEDA (Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency) and the required operational licenses - Zoe Diamonds officially began operations in April 2023.  Zoe Diamonds provides diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services to both local and international business and government entities. It is strategically positioned in the midstream segment of the diamond value chain in Gaborone, Botswana, - to meaningfully contribute towards the value addition of Botswana’s diamond value chain, through the provision of its services Since inception, Zoe Diamonds has made many strides. Some of which are winning the AU-UNDP Youth in Trade Challenge in November 2022 & winning 2nd place at FACETS 2023’s Pitch competition in October 2023. Ada’s priorities for Zoe Diamonds are being an excellent steward of Botswana’s natural diamonds on the African continent and the rest of the world. In a way that brings value to all our clients, while generating profits and creating jobs for fellow young Batswana. She envisions growing Zoe Diamonds into a Pan-African brand, that will be a beacon, light and example of beneficiation of diamonds, localization of Botswana's diamond industry and the active participation of young Batswana in the value addition of the Botswana’s diamond value chain. “We focus on natural, ethically and responsibly sourced diamonds, and we are a business that embodies excellence, honesty, integrity and transparency in all we do. We tailor make our services to all our clients, to help them fulfil their business goals in a timely manner. There is no order that is too big or too small for us. Whether we are providing our services to a “big” or “small” client, it is of great importance that we deliver our diamond manufacturing services and rough trading services to our clients' expectations and satisfaction. We do this for local and international clients,” Ada said. “Giving our clients the confidence that we at Zoe Diamonds value all our customers, we provide all our services with their needs and goals in mind, over and above the diamonds themselves and the services centred around the diamonds, we aim to build long lasting, mutually beneficial and fulfilling relationships with all our clients.” #naturaldiamonds #diamondsdogood #PushaBW #ZoeDiamonds #roughdiamonds #BotswanatotheWorld #diamondmanufacturing #diamondtraceability #jobcreation #valueaddition