It is no secret that Africa is rich in valuable minerals crucial for economic development, ranging from extensive oil reserves to lush agricultural lands.
The continent possesses about 30% of the world’s total mineral reserves, including gold, copper, platinum, cobalt, uranium, lithium, and more, all of which play pivotal roles in diverse industries, from electronics and infrastructure to energy production.
What is fascinating is that these mineral riches are not concentrated in one specific region but are spread across the continent, significantly contributing to the economic growth of many African nations.
Among this abundance of resources, diamonds stand out as one of the most sought-after treasures. The continent boasts several of the world’s most prolific diamond-producing countries, each with its unique story within the global diamond industry.
Recent diamond production statistics from the Kimberley Process, a joint government, industry and civil society initiative that regulates the trade and production of diamonds, revealed the prominent role of African nations in the global diamond industry.
Globally, rough diamond production, also known as uncut, raw, or natural diamonds, is undertaken by only 22 countries extracting them from deposits within their borders.
Remarkably, eight African nations have secured their prestigious positions within the top ten diamond-producing countries worldwide.
Here are the top 10 diamond-producing countries in Africa:
| Rank | Country | Production volume | Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Botswana | 24,509,939.00 | $4,700,321,539.00 |
| 2 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 9,908,997.66 | $64,959,638.25 |
| 3 | South Africa | 9,660,233.00 | $1,538,930,037.97 |
| 4 | Angola | 8,763,309.30 | $1,965,247,499.47 |
| 5 | Zimbabwe | 4,461,450.15 | $423,612,395.43 |
| 6 | Namibia | 2,054,227.06 | $1,234,496,934.12 |
| 7 | Lesotho | 727,736.95 | $314,358,893.67 |
| 8 | Sierra Leone | 688,970.20 | $142,907,210.45 |
| 9 | Tanzania | 375,533.14 | $110,936,767.64 |
| 10 | Guinea | 128,770.65 | $6,556,170.10 |
