The ministers of mineral resources from Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRCongo), African diamond-producing countries that participated in this meeting, were the signatories of the “Luanda Agreement”.
The information was passed on by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, at the end of the “Ministerial Roundtable on Natural Diamonds: Challenges and Opportunities”, which took place in the capital.
“The formal signing of the Luanda Agreement is a historic milestone that represents a decisive joint step in the defense and promotion of natural diamonds. This agreement reflects not only our common interests, but also the responsibilities we share”, he said.
The minister explained that, with this agreement, governments [of the signatory countries], producers and other industry stakeholders commit to contributing the equivalent of 1 percent of annual revenues from rough diamond sales, to fund a global marketing initiative led by the Natural Diamond Council.
“It was agreed that this initiative will be guided by principles of inclusive governance, measurable results and a renewed spirit of transparency and partnership,” the minister signaled, noting that this is not just a promotional strategy.
It is also “a strategic investment for the future of our industry. It is a moral investment, especially for the people whose lives depend on its sustainability. And it is also a collective affirmation that we believe in the value of natural diamonds, not only as commodities, but as agents of transformation,” he said.
For Diamantino Azevedo, the agreement is a significant milestone. However, he noted, its true impact “will depend on the actions we take from this moment on.”
“This agreement calls on all of us to actively participate in this effort. No contribution is too small, no voice will be ignored,” he added, also highlighting the strategic importance of the natural diamond industry for the economies and communities of the respective countries.
The meeting addressed the need to promote, value and defend natural diamonds produced in Africa, taking into account synthetic alternatives, particularly lab-grown diamonds that are gaining ground in markets such as the United States of America and China.
