STAFF WRITER
Minister of Industries Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse says Namibia is in support of harmonising regional policies to foster fair markets, shared prosperity, and innovation across the diamond value chain.
Speaking on the Sidelines of the ongoing mining indaba in Cape Town on Monday Amutse said Namibia places importance central to the push of harmonization through ethical sourcing, traceability, and transparency in the industry.
He said these are essential elements to maintaining consumer confidence and global competitiveness.
“The diamond industry is not merely an economic engine; it is a powerful catalyst for social development, innovation, and national pride across our continent.
Africa is the world’s leading producer of natural diamonds, accounting for the majority of global production by value and volume,” Amutse said.
He said African position confers both great responsibility and opportunity- placing the continent at the heart of the global diamond value chain and underscoring the imperative for the continent to lead in shaping the future of the industry.
The minister said it is important to include how natural diamonds are marketed, valued and perceived globally.
“The Namibian Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working in close partnership with fellow African diamond-producing nations, our Joint Venture Partner De Beers, the global Diamond Centres, and the Natural Diamond Council,” he said.
Amutse said partners in De Beers will address the evolving challenges facing the industry and advance strategies that protect and enhance the value, integrity, and reputation of natural diamonds globally.
“Namibia strongly supports the development of a unified African strategy for promoting natural diamonds through the Luanda Accord. We must move beyond
fragmented messaging and present a credible, compelling narrative, one that connects consumers to the tangible social and economic impact of natural diamonds on African communities,” he said.
He said Namibia remains resolute in championing natural diamonds as a source of national pride and sustainable development.
“Our diamond industry operates within rigorous legal and regulatory frameworks and adheres to the highest international standards, ensuring that Namibian gem-quality diamonds are ethically sourced, responsibly produced and fully compliant with global best practices,”he said.
According to Amutse Namibia is fully aligned with the urgent call for united African action in response to market disruptions since 2022.
“These challenges demand coordinated, forward-looking solutions—not isolated or fragmented approaches. The time has come for African diamond-producing nations to speak with a single, powerful voice. Africa must lead in shaping a global narrative that truthfully reflects the developmental, social, and economic value of our resources,” he said.
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