14th February 2022
Own Correspondent
Antwerp, Belgium & Palapye, Botswana – A ground breaking 5 year MOU agreement has been reached between Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and HB Antwerp, the highly respected global entrepreneurial natural diamond start-up, to develop the next generation of diamond polishing and cutting talent in Botswana.
The entities will organize traineeships for Botswanan youth, offer scholarships for promising local talent, drive innovative projects backed by digital supply chains, and create job opportunities in the diamond sector to help the economy of Botswana to transform into a modern technology-driven enterprise.
The partnership will also enable a valuable exchange of knowledge between Belgium and Botswana, honoring the traditional artistry of stone polishing and cutting, which Belgium is renown for while identifying and implementing innovative approaches to diamond manufacturing using diamonds from Botswana.
“HB Antwerp is delighted to collaborate with BIUST and build on our efforts to provide training and job placement for local talent in the communities where we operate. Young people in Africa have incredible potential, but often do not have access to meaningful opportunities. We believe in the power of diamonds to catalyze positive change and look forward to leveraging this partnership to deliver on that potential for Botswana,” said Rafael Papismedov, Co-founder and Managing Partner of HB Antwerp.
As a University, BIUST supports the long-standing principle of the Government of Botswana that says that diamonds are for national development. It is therefore only natural for the University to embrace a partnership that directly speaks to skills development; technological advancement; sustainable economic growth and job creation. BIUST continues to be one of the leading national drivers in initiatives that are aimed at aiding economic development and transformation in Botswana.
Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, Vice Chancellor of BIUST expressed his excitement at the prospect of working with HB Antwerp under the partnership.
“BIUST is always open to partnerships that provide opportunities for young Botswanans to develop both their common and transferable skills needed for Industrial and manufacturing advancement of our economy. It is my believe that the partnership will greatly contribute to the human capital development of our country through new technological and Innovative Ideas that we expect to harness from this collaboration,” said Totolo.
At the core of HB Antwerp’s business model, is a belief that the original story of a stone is deeply linked to the community where it was discovered.
HB Antwerp has fostered an ecosystem that ensures respect for local communities, promotes fair labor practices and pay, and invests in skills training and job placement opportunities for local workers. HB Antwerp is committed to driving sustainable economic development in Botswana and throughout the African continent.
BIUST supports the long-standing principle of the Government of Botswana that says that diamonds are for national development.
It is therefore only natural for the University to embrace a partnership that directly speaks to skills development; technological advancement; sustainable economic growth and job creation. BIUST continues to be one of the leading national drivers in initiatives that are aimed at aiding economic development and transformation in Botswana.
