Zimbabwe Diamond Education College to produce entrepreneurs

The Zimbabwe Diamond Education College says it is confident of producing internally competitive entrepreneurs who will contribute positively to the industry's beneficiation.

The college, the country's sole diamond processing training institution, has expressed confidence over the quality of students it is producing.

The college's founder and Managing Director, Mr. Lovemore Kurotwi said the college's curriculum is a cut above the rest due to its extensive study on the mineral adding that it will contribute immensely to the country's value addition in the diamond industry.

Mr Kurotwi was speaking on the sidelines of the college's first graduation ceremony of 40 students who received their certificates in Rough Diamond Evaluation and Grading.

"We are confident that the students are internationally competitive as we are creating entrepreneurs and from our research we are the only institution the world over to offer a full compliment in diamonds .We are confident that we can contribute to the economy," said Mr Kurotwi.

The graduates said they are ready to work for the growth of the country's economy as the knowledge they have acquired has trained them to be self sufficient.

The graduates will be travelling to Antwerp, Belgium for a two week tour before the end of the month to meet other international players in diamond beneficiation.

The college which was commissioned in July last year has pledged to keep giving the physically challenged aspirants full scholarships.

Zimbabwe's diamond industry has the potential to transform the country's economy if resources are channelled towards value addition of the gemstones.

To date, over 75 companies have been licensed to add value to the country's diamonds.

However, most of the personnel in the establishments are foreigners who in turn repatriate the money to their homelands.