Debswana and De Beers Partner to Revitalize Oodi Weavers’ Cultural and Business Future

Debswana and De Beers Partner to Revitalize Oodi Weavers’ Cultural and Business Future. In a renewed effort to support local enterprise and cultural heritage, Debswana Diamond Company and De Beers Group have partnered to invest in the revitalization and long-term sustainability of Oodi Weavers, one of Botswana’s most iconic female-led textile cooperatives.

For nearly 50 years, Oodi Weavers has stood as a testament to Botswana’s rich cultural fabric, crafting intricate, handwoven textiles that reflect generations of indigenous knowledge. The cooperative, based in the village of Oodi, is widely celebrated for its storytelling through fabric, turning tradition into trade.

However, the group now faces mounting challenges. With a largely aging workforce, limited access to entrepreneurial training, and a narrowing market for their products, the future of this cultural institution has become uncertain. Recognizing this, Debswana and De Beers have come forward with a strategic plan that focuses on both immediate support and long-term resilience.

The collaboration includes skills transfer programs, business mentorship, and product innovation training tailored for the women artisans. The aim is to strengthen not only the cooperative’s creative output but also its ability to operate competitively in today’s evolving markets.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs, especially those in the creative and heritage sectors, this initiative presents a powerful case study in merging tradition with enterprise. It shows how corporate partnerships can preserve local identity while fostering economic inclusion.

The weavers’ handmade items, ranging from bedspreads and cushions to floor mats, are more than just products. They are living stories woven with purpose, now being given a chance to continue for generations to come.