Events & Awards

Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025

Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s annual luncheon will be held on Friday at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will welcome the Honorable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, as its headline speaker at its annual luncheon.

The JVC luncheon will be held on Friday at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.

Minister Kenewendo will discuss the future of diamonds in a fireside chat format with JVC President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood.

Kenewendo played an important role in shaping the 10-year diamond sales agreement between De Beers and the government of Botswana.

After years of back and forth, the two parties recently came to an agreement on how they will split up the country’s diamond production for the next decade, and will soon ink the new deal.

Kenewendo will share her insight into Botswana’s role in the diamond industry, the future of diamond sourcing, and what the U.S. jewelry industry should expect as Botswana increases its direct diamond sales.

“We are honored to host Minister Kenewendo for this critical discussion on the future of diamonds and Botswana’s growing influence in our industry,” said Yood. 

“This agreement marks a new era in diamond sourcing, and it’s essential for U.S. jewelry executives to understand the long-term implications. Minister Kenewendo’s firsthand knowledge and strategic insights will provide unparalleled value to our audience.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Kenewendo is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential economic leaders, said JVC, due to her impact on global trade and development.

She was named a “Time100 Next” honoree in 2022, lauded as an emerging leader “shaping the future of global policy and commerce.”

Kenewendo has led negotiations in several high-profile agreements, including the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, the United Kingdom Post-Brexit Agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

She has held a number of leadership roles, including chairperson of Bank Gaborone, non-executive director of the Africa Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund Corporation, board member of Ice Benchmark, and as an advisor to governments and international institutions on trade, economic development policy, and climate finance.

Kenewendo has also served on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, the United Nations Secretary-General’s high-level panel on digital cooperation, and the World Economic Forum’s Trade Advisory Group.

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