De Beers Group, in collaboration with business incubator Raizcorp, has launched the third intake of its Enterprise Development Project for Diamond Beneficiators, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs in South Africa’s diamond industry.
In a media statement, De Beers reaffirmed its commitment to fostering growth, transformation, and inclusivity within the local diamond beneficiation sector.
A Strategic Investment in Local Entrepreneurs
First introduced in 2016, the three-year programme supports entrepreneurs across the diamond value chain—from rough diamond purchasing, cutting and polishing, to jewellery design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.
Participants receive tailored support, including technical, operational, and strategic guidance, to help them scale their businesses sustainably and contribute meaningfully to both local and global diamond economies.
Four New Enterprises Welcomed in 2025 Cohort
At the launch event held on April 17, Raizcorp CEO Allon Raiz emphasized the economic significance of small businesses in South Africa, noting that they make up 91% of formal enterprises and contribute 34% to GDP.
He underscored the importance of vision, strategy, and execution in entrepreneurial success.
The new cohort includes four emerging jewellery enterprises:
Axel & Co.
Shine Jewellery & Accessories
Elegânté
House of Lemba Design
These businesses, selected from a pool of promising candidates, specialize in jewellery design, manufacturing, and repair, and met all regulatory and operational criteria set by the programme.
“These companies share a deep passion for transforming precious metals and gemstones into jewellery of exceptional brilliance and beauty,” De Beers stated.
A Track Record of Impact and Inclusion
Since its inception, the programme has supported ten diamond beneficiation companies, with 60% being women-owned and 80% black-owned.
Among its notable achievements is the development of Molefi Letsiki Diamonds, the first majority black-owned De Beers Sightholder, appointed in January 2023.
De Beers hailed the programme as a model for effective collaboration between industry, government, and entrepreneurs—demonstrating how targeted support can unlock the full potential of local beneficiation and help build a more inclusive and resilient diamond economy.
Encouraging Innovation and Global Competitiveness
James Kirby, De Beers’ Senior VP for Product Planning and Delivery, encouraged participants to apply their learning beyond the programme, urging them to be innovative and globally competitive.
“This initiative is about more than just development—it’s about building a generation of entrepreneurs who can lead South Africa’s diamond sector into the future,” Kirby concluded.
