The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and Angola have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the rough diamond sector.
Under the agreement, Antwerp will assist Angola in establishing a Group of Seven (G7) export verification point for rough diamonds.
AWDC, which is already working with Botswana on a similar initiative, will provide Angola with technical expertise and guidance on diamond control and certification.
“We can provide practical and technical tools to help make a G7 verification point in Angola a reality,” said AWDC CEO Karen Rentmeesters. “Our blueprint aligns with today’s compliance and transparency standards, and we are eager to share it.”
In exchange, Angola has committed to routing more of its rough diamonds through Antwerp, strengthening ties with the Belgian diamond hub. Angola, the world’s third-largest producer of rough diamonds, is a key partner for Antwerp.
“We believe the direct import of Angolan rough diamonds can grow significantly,” noted AWDC Chairman Isidore Morsel. “Antwerp’s proximity to the world’s largest jewelry brands, its transparency, reliability, and its wide network of potential buyers offer significant advantages for Angola.”
The MoU was signed on November 27, following the Facets international diamond conference in Belgium, underscoring both parties’ commitment to fostering mutual growth in the diamond industry.
