02/10/2026
Botswana is pushing back against the growing use of the word “diamond” for lab-grown and synthetic alternatives, arguing that natural diamonds should retain their distinct identity and value.
During his official visit to Angola, President Duma Boko called for stronger cooperation between African diamond-producing countries to protect the position of natural diamonds in the global market.
“‘Diamond’ must remain reserved for the natural diamond. Any alternative product must carry its own distinct name,” Boko said.
For Botswana and other major African producers, the issue goes beyond branding. Natural diamonds have supported economies, jobs and public revenues across the continent for decades, while cheaper laboratory-grown alternatives are putting increasing pressure on the traditional market.
The bigger question for Africa is whether its resource-producing countries can work together to protect the value of African resources and ensure the continent has greater influence over how those resources are marketed globally.
Should African diamond-producing countries form a stronger united front in the global diamond market?
