KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe chaired ADPA for a year, boosting diamond production.
- Diamond output increased from three million to six million carats annually.
- Focus on aligning production with global standards for greater regional benefits.
Zimbabwe’s year-long leadership of the Africa Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) has been marked by significant progress and strategic advancements.
At the recent three-day interministerial meeting held in Harare, stakeholders gathered to evaluate the accomplishments of Zimbabwe’s tenure as chair of the 21-member continental body, while also mapping the path forward for continued success in the diamond industry.
Since assuming the chairmanship during the ADPA conference in Victoria Falls last year, Zimbabwe has made full use of this influential position to advance the interests of African diamond producers.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando emphasized that Zimbabwe’s leadership role has been both challenging and rewarding, providing an opportunity for the country to gain valuable insights into the dynamics of the diamond industry.
He highlighted how Zimbabwe rallied fellow diamond producers to align their processes with globally accepted standards, which is crucial to ensuring that diamond production contributes meaningfully to the region’s socio-economic growth.
“It is imperative to note we have presided over this body as chair, which has given us huge experience and insights into the industry,” Chitando said during the conference. “We rallied all producers of the diamond that we have to continue to align our processes to global set standards so that production from the region is increased to benefit its own people.”
Boosting production and enhancing trade
Throughout its tenure as chair, Zimbabwe has focused on expanding diamond production and trade, ensuring that these precious stones benefit African communities.
One of the key achievements during this period has been Zimbabwe’s remarkable increase in diamond production, which has risen from three million carats annually to six million carats. This accomplishment not only underscores the country’s capabilities but also highlights the broader impact of coordinated efforts within the association.
The government has ambitious plans to further increase diamond output to ten million carats per year, aiming to transform Zimbabwe’s diamond sector into a USD 3 billion industry. Such an achievement would not only boost the national economy but also reinforce Africa’s standing in the global diamond market.
Minister Chitando noted Zimbabwe’s pride in the contributions made to the global diamond discourse over the past year. “We are excited with the contribution we have made to global diamond discourse over the last two years as chair, and this signals the success of Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy,” he added.
The country’s proactive approach to engagement has been instrumental in driving forward initiatives that ensure African diamond producers benefit more equitably from the global diamond value chain.
Future prospects for African Diamond Producers
As Zimbabwe’s chairmanship of ADPA nears its conclusion early next year, the association remains committed to building on the progress made. The hybrid meetings held last week served as an opportunity for member nations to take stock of their achievements and refine strategies to ensure future growth and sustainability in the diamond sector.
The ADPA aims to create a diamond industry in Africa that not only complies with international standards but also drives local development.
By promoting best practices and fostering collaboration among member countries, the association seeks to make African diamonds more competitive in the global market, ensuring that the wealth generated by the sector leads to meaningful economic benefits for local communities.
Zimbabwe’s leadership has paved the way for greater integration and cooperation among diamond producers on the continent, setting a precedent for future leaders of the association. By focusing on compliance, collaboration, and boosting production, Zimbabwe has helped lay a strong foundation for the sustainable development of Africa’s diamond industry.
