Gabriel Mothibedi speaks on diamonds and their impact
TIME IS GOLD: Nako Timepieces and Botswana’s dazzling future




More often in Botswana, where the earth yields its most brilliant treasures, a new narrative is being etched, one that marries timeless luxury with sustainable prosperity. At the forefront of this exciting movement is Gabriel Mothibedi, Director of Nako Timepieces, a brand that’s not just about telling time, but about telling Botswana’s unique story.
Today, every sparkle from a diamond does not only reflect timeless beauty but also fuels a nation’s growth. This isn’t a pipe dream; it’s the very fabric of Botswana’s diamond industry, a sentiment passionately articulated by president Duma Boko, who emphasized that “buying Botswana diamonds is not just a choice, it’s a movement toward sustainable development and shared prosperity.” These aren’t just pretty stones; they’re catalysts for a brighter tomorrow.
This powerful notion echoes through the words of Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo. In a recent interview, Kenewendo highlighted the immense value of diamonds to Botswana’s economy and to the livelihoods of its citizens.
She spoke with pride about the new sales agreement between the government of Botswana and the De Beers Group for Debswana Diamond Company’s rough diamonds, a deal designed to “secure the future for Botswana” by ensuring ethical practices and a secure market for their precious gems.
But Botswana’s vision extends beyond the mines. Kenewendo is a staunch advocate for driving private-sector growth in the local diamond industry, particularly in value-addition and the development of luxury brands and retail enterprises.
To this end, she recently hosted global leaders in the diamond and ultra-luxury industries, sparking crucial discussions on Botswana’s foreseeable luxury chain and innovative approaches to value addition beyond traditional cutting and polishing. The aim is to forge meaningful partnerships with local talent and businesses.
This is where Nako Timepieces truly shines. Mothibedi describes the immense pleasure of sharing Nako Timepieces’ Brand Purpose at these pivotal discussions. For him, it’s about promoting design innovation as a competitive strategy in developing Botswana’s diamond value chain.
“Design facilitates manufacturing, the development of products; jewelry and watches, and it plays a critical role in the establishment and communications of brands.” It’s a testament to the power of creative thinking in shaping economic growth.
Nako Timepieces is not just creating exquisite watches; it’s actively working to foster government-led initiatives that raise awareness and build understanding of design innovation as a pathway to business growth and high-value jobs across Botswana.
Through their stunning product offerings and promotions, they’re not only showcasing Botswana’s rich culture through captivating storytelling, but they’re also building capacity within the nation’s innovative and creative potential.
Their mission is to elevate the quality of Botswana’s products and services, promoting authentic design inspired by the country’s profound cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
In every Nako timepiece, people don’t just see a watch; they see a piece of Botswana’s soul, a testament to its commitment to ethical prosperity, and a glimpse into a future where luxury is synonymous with legacy. It’s truly a new dawn for Botswana, with time on its side.