Africa contributes 60% of global diamond production, the president of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), Wiston Chitando, announced on Thursday in Luanda.
Chitando, who also serves as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mineral Resources, made the statement during the inauguration of ADPA’s new headquarters. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Africa’s diamond sector.
He emphasized that Africa’s diamond industry remains strong despite global market challenges, particularly the rise of synthetic diamonds. “We are determined to move forward with restrictions on diamond trade in the Central African Republic,” he stated.
Chitando hailed the opening of ADPA’s new headquarters as a significant milestone, crediting the Angolan government for providing the space.
The association, comprising 21 member countries, had been operating from temporary facilities since 2006.
ADPA Executive Director Ella Muchimwa announced that in April, Sierra Leone will assume the presidency of the association for a two-year term.
She also praised Angola for its role in constructing the new headquarters and providing temporary offices. “I want to thank Angola for honoring its commitment and equipping ADPA with state-of-the-art offices,” she said.
ADPA’s member countries include Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, the Central African Republic, Mali, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Gabon.
