In 2012 SADC produced 56.1% of the rough diamonds globally, but was still one of the poorest regions. This report compares the development, constraints and stages of the diamond supply chain in Zimbabwe and Botswana. The mining legislation and bargaining power of the Botswana government have influenced the economic growth of Botswana’s mining industry, whereas Zimbabwe has still been recovering from an economic meltdown, and is still in the process of amending their minerals legislation. The report concludes with lessons for Zimbabwe taken from the success of the Botswana diamond industry.
