Angola has officially begun the process of joining the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) through its newly established Angola Diamond Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the country’s integration into the international diamond industry.
The announcement was made by Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, during the WFDB’s 2025 President’s Meeting held in New York on June 12.
Qatar also expressed interest in joining the WFDB during the same event.
The President’s Meeting spanned two and a half days and featured speeches, panel discussions, site visits, and networking sessions among global diamond industry leaders.
In his address, WFDB President Yoram Dvash emphasized the need for ethical leadership and unity to protect and promote the natural diamond industry.
“Now is the time to lead with ethics, clarity, and unity to protect the value and legacy of natural diamonds and ensure the industry’s voice is heard globally,” he said.
Botswana President Duma Boko highlighted the pivotal role of diamonds in his country’s economy and reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to ethical practices in the sector.
Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, spoke about the transformative impact of the diamond industry and its potential to improve lives.
She urged the industry to maintain strong demand for natural diamonds by emphasizing their emotional, aspirational, and luxurious qualities.
De Beers CEO Al Cook underscored the importance of innovation and technology, particularly in traceability.
He also called for greater global alignment on trade policies, arguing that natural diamonds should be exempt from tariffs in markets like the United States, where they are not mined.
The meeting also featured a series of honors: Dvash presented President Boko with the “Guardian of the Diamond Industry” award, while Kenewendo and Cook received “Honorary Lifetime Membership” in the WFDB.
Angola’s bid to join the WFDB signals its growing ambition to become a respected and competitive player in the global diamond market.
