Botswana's Gemological Institute of America is investing $5 million in furthering its diamond education and the diamond grading skills of the 30 locals employed by the institution.

Botswana's GIA, which was established in September 2009, that they are hoping to enhance the diamond educational courses offered at the institution, which will improve and develop diamond grading skills using a gem microscope or jeweler's loupe. These courses are designed to increase local employment in diamond production and add valued services to the current diamond production in the country.

Botwana GIA and South Africa Administration Clients Relations Officer Elizabeth Bokaba says time-saving shortcuts to determine a diamond's grade and learning how to read the international GIA Laboratory Diamond Grading Report are also skills that can be enhanced through newly improved diamond grading skills.

GIA Education programs are accredited by the Government of Botswana.  The GIA's Diamond Grading Course will be offered 4 times a year.  The Botswana GIA has also organized the Alumni Association's Africa Chapter to enhance education, communication, and networking for GIA graduates.

Why did the GIA set up an institute in Botswana and not another African country? Bokaba says Botswana is one of the leaders in rough diamonds production and it’s a rapidly growing global diamond center.

This initiative was set up by the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA) which monitors training provided by vocational training organizations.

“This is an incredible opportunity to support GIA students in Botswana as they gain gemological knowledge that will enable them to work with diamonds mined there,” said Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO.

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