Gaborone – Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko launched the country’s 60 Years of Diamond Leadership Initiative and unveiled the medals for the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026 at the National Museum, in a ceremony that brought together the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, and the Ministry of Sports and Arts.
The World Athletics Relays medal sponsorship comes from the Okavango Diamond Company, through the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, with a P10 million pledge that will fund 120 medals set with natural Botswana diamonds, cut and polished locally.
Speaking at the National Museum, President Boko described the venue as a place of profound historical and symbolic significance, not just for reflecting on the journey that has shaped Botswana, but for defining the future the country is committed to building.
“Our diamonds tell a story that is authentic, verifiable, and measurable, a story of infrastructure developed, healthcare improved, education broadened, and lives changed. It is the story of a nation that has transformed natural resources into shared prosperity,” President Boko said.
The 60 Years of Diamond Leadership Initiative is a national strategic platform that honours six decades of diamond-driven development while shaping the future of Botswana’s diamond industry through value chain growth, provenance-focused marketing, and downstream commercialisation.
On the athletics front, President Boko told the gathering: “As Botswana prepares to host the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, we take our place on the global stage not just as hosts, but as a nation driven by purpose, ambition, and pride.”
The World Athletics Relays is a crucial qualifier for the World Athletics Championships and will bring competitors from across the globe to Gaborone. For the first time in global athletics history, the World Athletics Relays medals will include a natural diamond from Botswana.
“The athletes won’t just race for victory, they’ll take a piece of Botswana home. As the diamond-embedded medals travel with champions around the world, they’ll quietly share Botswana’s story of resilience, leadership, and brilliance on the global stage,” the President said.
National broadcast rights have been secured to ensure that every Motswana can watch the event, with President Boko stating that the moment belongs to the whole nation.
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