African Nations Sign Luanda Agreement to Protect and Promote Natural Diamonds
On Wednesday, several African countries signed the “Luanda Agreement,” a commitment to defend and promote natural diamonds.
Under this pact, the signatory nations agreed to contribute 1 percent of their annual revenues from diamond sales to fund a global marketing initiative for the sector.
The agreement was signed by the ministers of mineral resources from Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)—all key diamond-producing countries.
The announcement was made by Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, at the conclusion of the “Ministerial Roundtable on Natural Diamonds: Challenges and Opportunities,” held in the Angolan capital.
Minister Azevedo described the signing as a historic milestone, stating, “The formal signing of the Luanda Agreement represents a decisive and united step in the defense and promotion of natural diamonds. This agreement reflects not only our shared interests but also the responsibilities we bear.”
He explained that governments, producers, and other industry stakeholders from the signatory countries will contribute the equivalent of 1 percent of their annual revenues from rough diamond sales.
These funds will support a global marketing campaign led by the Natural Diamond Council.
“It was agreed that this initiative will be governed by principles of inclusive governance, measurable results, and a renewed spirit of transparency and partnership,” the minister emphasized, noting that this effort is more than just a promotional strategy.
“It is a strategic investment in the future of our industry, a moral investment for the communities whose livelihoods depend on its sustainability, and a collective affirmation of our belief in the value of natural diamonds—not merely as commodities but as agents of transformation,” he added.
While praising the agreement as a significant step forward, Minister Azevedo acknowledged that its real impact will depend on the concrete actions taken moving forward. “This agreement calls on all of us to actively participate.
No contribution is too small, and no voice will be ignored,” he said, highlighting the vital economic and social importance of the natural diamond industry for their countries.
The roundtable also addressed the need to promote, value, and protect natural diamonds produced in Africa, especially in light of the growing market presence of synthetic alternatives like lab-grown diamonds, which are gaining traction in major markets such as the United States and China.
