Yesterday, the Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Prince Maele, paid a visit to KGK Diamonds Botswana, a leading diamond cutting and processing company located in Block 3 Industrial, Gaborone. The visit aimed to appreciate the company’s operations and explore avenues for deeper collaboration between the diamond industry and higher education institutions.
During the tour, Minister Maele commended KGK Diamonds Botswana for its contribution to skills development and the local economy, particularly through its strategic partnerships with educational institutions under his ministry. One such collaboration is with Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology, where students are exposed to real-world experience in jewellery design and manufacturing.
“This kind of synergy between industry and academia is exactly what Botswana needs to drive innovation, practical training, and employment opportunities,” Hon. Maele stated, noting that the government is keen on building stronger links between learning and the labour market.
KGK Diamonds Botswana plays a vital role in Botswana’s value addition drive, offering employment and hands-on experience in a sector traditionally limited to raw mineral exports. Through its partnership with Oodi College, the company is helping to develop a new generation of skilled artisans capable of competing globally in jewellery design and craftsmanship.
The minister’s visit also served as an opportunity to identify further areas where collaboration can be enhanced, including internships, curriculum alignment, and research.
As Botswana continues to diversify its economy, the model demonstrated by KGK Diamonds Botswana stands out as a blueprint for meaningful partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions—ensuring that knowledge translates into skills, and skills into economic empowerment.
