The government of Botswana is about to accredit the diamond grading lab classes run by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in that country, IDEX Online reports.



GIA diamond grading classes are currently being held in Botswana's capital, Gaborone, and targeted at increasing the rate of local employment in the country's diamond industry and creating added value services from its diamond production.



Once the classes receive final accreditation by the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA), which oversees all vocational training programs, students will be eligible for reimbursement for course expenses.



GIA President and CEO Donna Baker called the move by Botswana's government an "incredible opportunity" to support the program's students and said the GIA looked forward to "serving the region by fostering skill transfer and skill development."

Botswana is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of rough diamonds. Final numbers for 2010 are still being compiled, but totals for the year – which stood at $2.95 billion for the first 11 months – are expected to break records.



However, the government is determined to make Botswana not only a diamond producer, but also a diamond industry hub. To that end, the country has built a diamond park complex devoted to processing its rough diamonds, including polishing and cutting.