Selected under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), we carry a national mandate to develop human capital. Our training programmes transform individuals from industry novices into confident, self-propelled professionals and entrepreneurs. Our vision extends to the entire African continent—to train and empower a new generation of minerals professionals across every nation blessed with precious resources. We intend to pass on this intellectual property, sharing our knowledge, curricula, and expertise to catalyse the transformation of the whole precious minerals and metals value chain across Africa. We believe that true economic sovereignty is built not on the extraction of resources, but on the mastery of their beneficiaries. By exporting knowledge rather than raw materials, we will build a continent where African minerals are processed by African hands, traded by African minds, and celebrated as African masterpieces. This is our legacy. This is our continental commitment.
Build your expertise step by step — from foundational knowledge to entrepreneurial mastery
Every course we offer combines comprehensive theoretical instruction with hands-on practical skills acquisition, and crucially, includes a placement in a real production environment—ensuring that graduates emerge not only with knowledge but with demonstrable experience in authentic industry settings.
Our integrated 18-month programme features five comprehensive diamond courses that build progressively upon one another, creating a seamless learning pathway from foundational knowledge to entrepreneurial mastery. Beyond our flagship offerings, we organise tailored corporate training courses for organisations requiring specialised industry knowledge, serving logistics companies, revenue and tax collectors, financial institutions, insurance companies, government agencies, and legal firms with bespoke curricula designed to address their unique operational challenges. Our programmes are delivered by industry veterans and subject matter experts, combining theoretical instruction with practical case studies and flexible delivery formats. Graduates emerge equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the diamond sector—whether as skilled artisans, professional valuers, jewellery manufacturers, or successful entrepreneurs.
This is the foundational programme for anyone seeking to understand the diamond industry from the ground up. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire diamond value chain—from geological formation and exploration to mining, sorting, pricing, and the polished 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat). The course covers diamond growth and properties, the journey to the earth's surface, mining and recovery methods, rough diamond sorting and pricing mechanisms, an introduction to cutting and polishing, jewellery design and retail principles, and the critical distinction between natural diamonds, simulants, treatments, and laboratory-grown diamonds. Students also develop proficiency in using basic gemmological equipment—including loupes, microscopes, and tweezers—to assess the core characteristics of diamonds.
Building upon the Diamond Foundation, this programme delves deeply into the science and art of diamond valuation. Students master advanced diamond grading techniques, learn to use sophisticated gemmological instruments, understand pricing mechanisms, and develop the skills to accurately assess both rough and polished diamonds. The curriculum covers advanced colour grading (including fancy colours) under standardised lighting conditions, clarity grading and plotting using the 10Cs framework, cut grading encompassing proportions, polish, and symmetry, and carat weight determination using formulae, sieves, and gauging tools. Students also become proficient in identifying treatments and synthetic diamonds, understanding various international grading systems (GIA, IGI, AGS), using pricing references such as the Rapaport Diamond Price List and The GemGuide, and preparing professional valuation reports.
This immersive, hands-on programme transforms students into skilled artisans capable of transforming rough diamonds into polished gems. Students learn the complete cutting and polishing process—from rough diamond planning and marking to cleaving, sawing, bruting, faceting, and final polishing. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of techniques, encompassing both traditional hand-craftsmanship methods and modern technologies. Students study morphological features of rough crystals and make yield optimisation decisions, progress through sawing, rough polishing, bruting, and finally polishing all main facets. They also gain understanding of modern systems including Sarine and OGI technology for 3D scanning, AI-based analysis, and yield simulation.
This course bridges the gap between polished diamonds and finished jewellery, equipping students with the creative and technical skills required to design and manufacture high-quality diamond jewellery. The curriculum encompasses the entire jewellery manufacturing journey—from conceptual design to finished retail-ready pieces. Students learn manual jewellery design, covering principles and elements of design, conceptual development, budgeting and estimation. They progress to CAD-CAM modelling using industry-standard software such as Rhino 7 and Matrix Gold, mastering 3D modelling, stone setting techniques, weight calculation, and digital rendering. The manufacturing module delivers intensive practical experience in metal working, casting, stone setting (including prong, pave, bezel, channel, and invisible settings), finishing, quality control, and production workflow.
This capstone programme is designed for individuals who aspire to build and grow sustainable businesses within the diamond value chain. The curriculum cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset and equips students with practical skills required to launch, manage, and scale successful enterprises. Students learn fundamentals of entrepreneurship—including idea generation, opportunity evaluation, and business model validation—and progress through business planning, feasibility studies, and comprehensive business plans. The course covers business environment and economics, accounting and finance, marketing management, and operations management. The programme culminates in a "live" business planning project where students develop, test, and pitch a viable business concept for the diamond industry.
Beyond our flagship 18-month integrated programme, APMC offers bespoke corporate training courses designed specifically for organisations that require specialised knowledge of the diamond industry. These tailored programmes bridge the gap between sector-specific expertise and professional practice—empowering your team to operate with confidence, compliance, and commercial acumen within the diamond value chain.
The curriculum is structured to cultivate industry-specific competence and equip professionals with the practical knowledge required to navigate the diamond sector effectively. Participants learn the fundamentals of the diamond value chain, including geological formation and mining, rough diamond sorting and pricing, the polished 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat), and the distinction between natural diamonds, simulants, treatments, and laboratory-grown diamonds.
The course covers critical business environment topics, including regulatory compliance, international trade dynamics, and the Kimberley Process certification framework; financial and risk management, including valuation methodologies, collateral assessment, and fraud detection; and operational considerations, including supply chain logistics, security protocols, and chain-of-custody verification. Participants also develop skills in regulatory interpretation, contract negotiation, and strategic decision-making with specific application to the diamond and precious metals industries.
Delivery Formats — We understand that corporate professionals have demanding schedules. Our tailored programmes are offered in flexible formats:
Professionals in logistics and freight forwarding require specialised knowledge of diamond handling, security protocols, customs regulations, and chain-of-custody requirements. Our programme covers the Kimberley Process certification scheme, international diamond shipping regulations, secure transportation best practices, and the documentation and record-keeping obligations specific to high-value diamond consignments. Participants gain practical skills in risk assessment, cargo insurance, and compliance with customs and anti-money laundering frameworks.
Taxation authorities face unique challenges in assessing and collecting revenue from the diamond trade. Our programme delivers comprehensive training on diamond valuation methodologies, transfer pricing, customs valuation, and tax assessment techniques specific to the diamond sector. Participants gain expertise in identifying under-valuation, detecting fraudulent declarations, and understanding the nuances of rough versus polished diamond taxation. The course also covers international tax treaties and the implications of diamond trading hubs on revenue collection.
Banks, lenders, and investment firms require robust understanding of the diamond industry to manage risk and identify opportunities. Our programme covers diamond collateral valuation, lending risk assessment, fraud detection, and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Participants learn to assess the authenticity and value of diamond collateral, recognise warning signs of money laundering, and evaluate investment opportunities in the diamond value chain—from mining and cutting to trading and retail.
Insurers face unique challenges in underwriting diamond-related risks. Our programme delivers comprehensive training on diamond valuation, risk assessment, loss prevention, and claims verification. Participants gain practical skills in assessing the value and authenticity of diamonds, identifying fraud in claims, and understanding the security and logistical risks associated with high-value commodities. The course also covers emerging risks, including laboratory-grown diamonds and synthetic stone detection.
Policy-makers and regulators require deep understanding of the diamond industry to formulate effective legislation and enforcement frameworks. Our programme covers the full spectrum of diamond governance—from the Kimberley Process and OECD due diligence guidelines to anti-money laundering regulations and customs law. Participants gain insights into the structure of the global diamond market, the role of producers and benefiticiation hubs, and the complexities of regulation across the value chain. The course also explores future challenges, including synthetic diamonds, sustainability, and traceability technologies.