Botswana’s Okavango to hold Rough Diamond Auction in Surat during August-September 2025

Okavango Diamond Company, one of the most reputable suppliers of ethically sourced diamonds, has confirmed its willingness to organise a Rough Diamond Auction during August–September 2025 in Surat.

In a landmark development for India’s diamond industry, Botswana’s government-owned Okavango Diamond Company has agreed to begin rough diamond auctions in Surat, the global hub of cut and polished diamonds. The move is expected to significantly ease the long-standing rough diamond supply crisis faced by Surat’s diamond traders.

The decision was the result of a recent visit by a delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to Botswana. Led by Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), the delegation engaged in detailed discussions with Okavango’s Managing Director Mmetla Masir.

Experts believe that the auction will not only ensure a stable supply of rough diamonds but also reinforce Surat’s status as a global powerhouse in diamond processing. If successful, the model could pave the way for similar collaborations with other countries. With the rough diamond auction set to launch before Diwali, optimism is running high among diamond manufacturers, traders, and exporters across India