(PRESS RELEASE) ANTWERP — Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Joy Bogolo Kenewendo, is visiting the Antwerp diamond sector this week to thank 18 diamond companies that jointly financed life-saving medicines and medical supplies. The Antwerp diamond community mobilised after Botswana declared a medical state of emergency this summer due to a severe shortage of essential medicines. Thanks to the funds raised, more than 35,000 people in Botswana — including diabetes and cardiac patients — will regain access to urgent medical care for an entire year.
Strong trade relationship
Botswana is one of the world’s leading producers of natural diamonds and maintains a close trade relationship with the Antwerp diamond industry. In 2024, bilateral diamond trade totalled approximately USD 580 million. The swift and widespread support from 18 Antwerp diamond companies builds on this strong partnership.
“The relationship between Botswana and Antwerp is built on trust, transparency and shared values,” says Isidore Mörsel, Chairman of AWDC. “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. We are extremely proud of this commitment, and honoured to welcome Minister Kenewendo.”
Medical support for more than 35,000 people
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) coordinated the fundraising initiative and invested the funds in the purchase of the most urgent and essential medicines, which will be delivered to Botswana shortly. With this support, more than 35,000 diabetes and cardiac patients will receive necessary medication for an entire year.
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“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,” says Isidore Mörsel.
Personal acknowledgement
During her two-day visit, Minister Kenewendo met with the participating diamond companies and visited, among others, the Diamond Office, auction house Bonas, and diamond company Taché. The visit concluded with a dinner at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where all sponsors were personally recognised for their contributions.
“When we rang the alarm for Botswana’s medical emergency, 18 diamond companies through AWDC stepped forward with compassion, urgency, and purpose.
This is more than a donation. It is a reaffirmation of friendship, of shared responsibility, and of the belief that the diamond value chain can also be a value-driven chain,” said Minister Kenewendo.
The 18 Antwerp companies that financially supported the project are:
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- 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
- Veediam
