Namibia has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with other African diamond-producing nations and reaffirmed its partnership with De Beers, the Global Diamond Centres, and the Natural Diamond Council.
This commitment was expressed by Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Modestus Amutse, at the Luanda Accord High-Level Follow-up meeting held on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba in South Africa.
Amutse emphasised the importance of the diamond industry as both an economic driver and a force for social development across Africa. “It is a privilege to address you today on behalf of the government of Namibia. As a nation deeply engaged in the natural diamond industry, we recognise both the immense opportunities and the shared responsibilities that come with Africa’s leadership role in this sector,” he said.
He highlighted that Africa is the world’s largest producer of natural diamonds, making it central to the global diamond value chain. “Namibia strongly supports the development of a unified African strategy for promoting natural diamonds through the Luanda Accord,” Amutse stated, adding that the continent must move beyond fragmented messaging and create a unified narrative that connects consumers to the positive impact of natural diamonds on African communities.
Amutse also reaffirmed Namibia’s role in promoting ethical diamond production, noting that the country adheres to the highest international standards.
“Our diamond industry operates within rigorous legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that Namibian gem-quality diamonds are ethically sourced, responsibly produced, and fully compliant with global best practices,” he said.
Namibia, according to the minister, remains committed to advancing a unified approach for Africa’s diamond industry, calling for coordinated solutions to market disruptions and urging African nations to speak with a single, powerful voice.
“The time has come for African diamond-producing nations to speak with a single, powerful voice. Africa must lead in shaping a global narrative that truthfully reflects the developmental, and socio-economic value of our resources,” Amutse concluded.