The governments of Botswana and Angola have officially become affiliated members of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses in a significant move that strengthens ties between major diamond producing nations and the global trading sector.
The announcement was made on 18 May during the WFDB International Summit held in Gaborone.
Although neither country currently operates a fully established standalone diamond bourse, both nations have sought representation within the WFDB due to the critical role diamonds play in their economies. Botswana remains the world’s second largest producer of natural diamonds, while Angola continues to expand its position as a major African diamond producer and trading hub.
This marks the first time governments have been admitted into the WFDB, which represents the world’s leading diamond bourses and trading centres. Botswana and Angola have initially been granted affiliate membership status, with both countries expected to participate as full WFDB members at the World Diamond Congress 2026 in Singapore this July.
Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, said the membership demonstrates the country’s commitment to international co operation, responsible industry growth, and strengthening the position of natural diamonds in an increasingly competitive market shaped by synthetic stones.
For Botswana, direct engagement with the trading community is expected to enhance collaboration around transparency, traceability, and the differentiation of natural diamonds from lab grown products.
Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, described the move as an important step in deepening Angola’s engagement with the international diamond trade while supporting broader industry collaboration. Angola has spent several years developing plans for its own diamond exchange as part of wider reforms aimed at modernising the country’s diamond sector.
Kimberley Process Faces Renewed Criticism Ahead of Mumbai Meeting
Meanwhile, the Kimberley Process has come under renewed pressure from civil society groups ahead of last week’s intersessional meeting in Mumbai.
The Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition issued a strongly worded assessment criticising what it described as another failed reform cycle. The group argued that the KP continues to struggle with redefining conflict diamonds, addressing compliance concerns, and delivering meaningful transparency measures.
Farai Maguwu, vice coordinator of the KP Civil Society Coalition, said the natural diamond industry often focuses on competition from lab grown diamonds while failing to confront long standing structural issues within the sector itself.
He stated that the Kimberley Process must move beyond “superficial marketing adjustments” and instead become more transparent, accountable, and capable of responding to modern diamond related abuses.
However, World Diamond Council president Ronnie VanderLinden offered a far more optimistic assessment following the conclusion of the meeting.
VanderLinden praised the co operation shown by participants and said the KP demonstrated its ability to work through difficult issues under pressure. He also commended India’s leadership and its focus on the “3Cs” vision of Confidence, Credibility, and Compliance.
He added that the industry must now find the determination to modernise the definition of conflict diamonds so it better reflects current global realities and expectations surrounding responsible sourcing and ethical trade.
Source: DCLA
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