Antwerp/Gaborone, 4 August 2026. 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, arrives in Gaborone today. 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.
