Gaborone: Botswana’s state-owned rough diamond marketing firm, Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), has appointed former World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) president Yoram Dvash as chairperson of its board of directors. Dvash succeeds Gape Kaboyakgosi, who stepped down in November after leading the board for five years.

Dvash brings deep industry leadership to the role, having headed the WFDB from 2020 until earlier this year, as well as previously serving as chairman of both the Israel Diamond Institute and the Israel Diamond Exchange.

ODC stated that Dvash’s extensive global experience will help strengthen the company’s profitability, expand its international presence, and generate sustainable long-term value for Botswana. Expressing gratitude on LinkedIn, Dvash noted he is honored by the trust placed in him and looks forward to working with ODC’s board, management, and the government to advance the organization.

Following his appointment, Dvash and the newly constituted board met with Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo. Their discussions centered on ODC’s strategic mandate, governance standards, sustainable growth, and strategies to maximize the economic impact of Botswana’s diamond resources.