Leaders in Africa invite a fresh outlook

The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) celebrated its belonging to the African region at a recently concluded three-day summit - Leaders in Africa Summit. Very apt to its title, the event saw the leaders from the DTC, from Africa, and DTC clients business, attend, which also marked the start of a new three-year contract between the DTC and its 78 clients. The summit proposed new thoughts to serve as the catalyst for change and prosperity in the diamond industry.

“To maintain our position as the Worlds’ most effective distributor of rough diamonds it is important that we recognise and learn about the enormous opportunities that southern Africa offers to our clients,” said Varda Shine, Managing Director of DTC. Speakers added their insights on issues related to the region and the trade in general - latest economic and political developments in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, latest trends in technology and economics. Russell Simmons illustrated the need for individual efforts in supporting humanitarian causes, His Excellency, Former President of the Republic of Botswana, Mr. Festus Mogae explained opportunities for foreign investment in Botswana and the importance of a cohesive partnership between the public and private sector to ensure a prosperous Africa. “I believe passionately that the private sector is not just helpful but is an essential ingredient, together with good governance and the rule of law, to the building of a prosperous Africa. But it’s not just doing business that will make the difference, but how you do business that is the key.” stated Gareth Penny, Managing Director of DeBeers.

The DTC’s Leaders in Africa gained a first hand experience of operations of a diamond mine at the Venetia Mine, from which diamonds will reach them for their Sights. “The key to a prosperous Africa lays in the approaches to building sustainable economy. Fostering economic development rather than giving aid has proven to be the key to achieve economic growth,” said Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of the De Beers Group. “Good governance and transparency are the key elements for a successful economy and democracy and we believe that diamonds contributed to the transparency of government and business,” he added.

To address the environmental impact of the attendee’s carbon footprint, as they travelled to South Africa, the DTC partnered with Food & Trees for Africa to voluntarily offset the carbon footprint. As a result, 320 trees were planted in the area of Venetia. The DTC is committed to the highest standards of environmental care and protection and this business practice forms part of the core of being a responsible corporate citizen.