Luanda, June 18, 2025 (Lusa) - The Angolan government on Wednesday urged African diamond-producing countries to move towards a shared strategy, “based on unity and collective aspiration”, to safeguard the future of the African natural diamond industry in the face of synthetic diamonds.
"The time has come for African diamond-producing countries to speak with one voice to defend what rightfully belongs to them and shape a global narrative that reflects our truth and our immense potential. This is a market issue, and it is also a matter of economic justice and cultural dignity," said Angola's minister of mining, oil and gas, Diamantino Azevedo, today.
Speaking in Luanda at the opening of a “Ministerial Roundtable on Natural Diamonds: Challenges and Opportunities,” the minister said that when consumers choose to buy natural diamonds, they should do so with the knowledge that they are supporting real human transformation by financing classrooms, hospitals and dreams across Africa.
“Let people remember this day not only as a forum for exchanging ideas, but also as a crucial moment when partners strengthen their bonds and reaffirm a common purpose,” said Diamantino Azevedo.
At this meeting, which brought together the ministers of mineral resources of Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the host country, the Angolan minister invited those present to jointly devise a “shared strategy, based on unity and collective aspiration,” to safeguard the future of the natural diamond industry and ensure Africa’s leading position".
He said that synthetic alternatives, particularly lab-grown diamonds, “have been gaining ground”, especially in markets such as the United States and China, noting that concerns about ethical sourcing, trade restrictions and fragmented messaging “continue to challenge the African industry”.
Africa accounts for more than 65% of the world’s rough diamond production. From Angola to Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, the African continent “is the beating heart of the global diamond trade,” said the Angolan minister.
According to Diamantino Azevedo, African leaders meeting in Luanda should commit to harmonising regional policies, creating fairer markets and promoting shared prosperity in Africa, as well as promoting innovation and traceability to ensure they come from ethical sources.
In Angola, diamonds have made a significant contribution to national reconstruction, financing schools, hospitals, roads, and water supply systems. In 2024, the country produced more than 14 million ct, and the authorities are investing in value addition, traceability, transparency and good governance, the Angolan minister concluded.
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