GIA Eyes Certification of Angolan Diamonds as U.S. Interest in Angola’s Diamond Sector Grows
Angola’s diamond industry is attracting growing interest from the United States, with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) signalling its intention to collaborate on the certification of diamonds produced in the country.
The initiative could strengthen Angola’s position in the global diamond market while supporting local economic development.
During a visit to diamond sector infrastructure in Lunda Sul Province, a GIA delegation expressed interest in working with Angolan authorities to certify “diamonds made in Angola.” The proposed collaboration aims to enhance transparency, boost international consumer confidence, and add value to Angola’s diamond exports, while also benefiting surrounding communities.
The GIA, one of the world’s leading gemmological institutions, has indicated its willingness to support Angola through technical cooperation and the training of specialised local personnel.
The institute also highlighted its long-standing engagement with Angolan diamonds in the international market.
Following an extensive visit to mining and processing facilities, GIA executive vice-president Thomas Merrill Moses emphasised the organisation’s more than four decades of experience in the global diamond industry.
He said the delegation was impressed by Angola’s diamond operations and encouraged by the social impact of diamond revenues, including investments in education, healthcare, and community development initiatives.
Moses said the purpose of the visit was to gain a deeper understanding of Angola’s diamond sector, including production processes, environmental management practices, and social benefits, so that these stories can be communicated more effectively to end consumers worldwide.
The GIA delegation was received in Saurimo by the Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Jânio Corrêa Victor. The group included senior GIA executives Jillian Heather Wolk, Rajesh Rasiklal Kothari, and Thomas Merrill Moses.
As part of the programme, the delegation visited key diamond-sector facilities, beginning with the Catoca mine, where members observed diamond extraction processes, operational safety standards, and environmental sustainability measures designed to minimise ecological impact.
The delegation also toured the Saurimo Diamond Development Hub, which hosts strategic infrastructure such as diamond cutting and polishing factories, a solar power plant supplying the complex, and specialised training centres that support skills development in the sector.
Secretary of State Corrêa Victor described the visit as strategically important, noting GIA’s global leadership in diamond grading and certification. He said a formal partnership with the institute would support Angola’s ambition to strengthen its diamond value chain, particularly in cutting and polishing.
He added that Angola is currently among the world’s leading diamond producers and has set a medium-term goal of becoming the largest global producer.
While the country is strong in rough diamond production, he acknowledged that local cutting and polishing activities are still developing.
The visit formed part of broader efforts to assess conditions across Angola’s diamond value chain and evaluate ongoing development projects in Lunda Sul, with participation from key public institutions and industry stakeholders.
