Vice President of Zimbabwe, Retired General Dr Constantine Guvheya Chiwenga, is in India where he is leading a delegation engaging companies in Surat involved in diamond cutting, polishing and jewellery manufacturing, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The visit is centred on strengthening Zimbabwe’s push towards value addition and beneficiation of its minerals, particularly diamonds, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 agenda. Zimbabwe is seeking to tap into India’s vast experience in the diamond sector to ensure maximum benefit from its mineral resources.
As part of the ongoing discussions between Harare and New Delhi, an arrangement has been made for 50 Zimbabwean students to undergo training in advanced diamond cutting and polishing techniques. The training is expected to equip young Zimbabweans with critical skills that will enable the country to expand its footprint in the global diamond industry while creating more opportunities locally.
The engagements are also aimed at reducing the role of middlemen in Zimbabwe’s diamond trade and ensuring that the country retains more value from its resources. India, being the world’s largest diamond processing hub, presents Zimbabwe with a strategic partner in its quest to grow exports, create jobs and boost foreign currency earnings through beneficiation.
