In a landmark move to enhance diamond transparency and provenance, Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has announced it is onboarding its rough natural diamonds onto Tracr, the blockchain-based platform developed by the De Beers Group. This step significantly expands the volume of traceable rough diamonds from Botswana to the global market.
A wholly government-owned company, ODC markets independently sourced rough diamonds from Debswana Diamond Company, one of the world’s leading producers. The integration with Tracr—a secure, tamper-proof digital ledger—will allow buyers to access verified, immutable data about each diamond’s origin and journey, building confidence in Botswana’s natural diamonds and reinforcing ODC’s commitment to ethical sourcing.
“This is more than just digital innovation,” said Mmetla Masire, Managing Director of ODC. “Every diamond tells a story—not just of natural beauty, but of community, responsibility, and national development. Tracr allows us to protect and share that story with the world.”
From early 2025, ODC began registering diamonds in the 3–6gr and 2–10ct size ranges on Tracr, a move that aligns with growing international demands—especially from G7 countries—for traceable, responsibly sourced gemstones.
ODC’s traceability initiative is backed by Debswana, a joint venture between the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group. Under a recent sales agreement, ODC currently markets 30% of Debswana’s production, set to rise to 40% in five years. Debswana is actively supporting ODC’s participation on the Tracr platform by providing upstream supply data to ensure seamless integration.
“As global expectations for provenance assurance grow, Debswana remains committed to responsible mining,” said Andrew Maatla Motsomi, Managing Director of Debswana. “We’re proud to support ODC as it strengthens Botswana’s role as a leader in ethical diamond trade.”
By digitizing origin data, Tracr helps tell the broader story of Botswana’s diamond industry—one of community impact, national transformation, and sustainable growth. This step ensures that Botswana’s diamonds are not just precious, but also trusted.
