Tanzania Urges African Unity to Defend Natural Diamond Industry

African diamond-producing countries are calling for stronger continental cooperation to protect the natural diamond industry as synthetic diamonds continue gaining market share globally.

The call was made during a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the African Diamond Producing Member States (ADPA) held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where ministers discussed growing concerns over the impact of laboratory-grown diamonds on Africa’s mining economies.

Speaking at the summit, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Mines, Dr Steven Kiruswa, warned that the rapid expansion of synthetic diamonds was threatening the value and long-term sustainability of Africa’s natural diamond sector.

“We are at a tipping point,” Kiruswa told delegates. “The proliferation of lab-made diamonds is eroding the value, credibility and livelihoods tied to natural diamonds. If we do not act together, we risk undermining one of Africa’s most strategic natural resources.”

For many African countries, diamonds remain an important source of export revenue, employment and foreign exchange earnings. Delegates noted that the industry also supports infrastructure development and livelihoods in mining communities across the continent.

However, ministers expressed concern that consumers are increasingly unable to distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds, potentially weakening confidence in mined stones and reducing the premium traditionally associated with natural gems.

African producers are now pushing for a coordinated response focused on strengthening certification systems, improving traceability and promoting the unique heritage and origin of natural diamonds.

Kiruswa urged African countries to adopt a unified continental strategy that includes stronger international certification standards, coordinated global marketing campaigns and increased investment in local beneficiation industries such as cutting, polishing and jewellery manufacturing.

“If buyers cannot clearly distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic alternatives, the long-term value of our resources will suffer,” he said. “Africa must protect not only its minerals, but also the confidence attached to them.”

Delegates also stressed that Africa should capture more value from its diamond resources rather than exporting raw stones while downstream profits are generated elsewhere.

Calls intensified for the development of stronger local processing industries capable of transforming rough diamonds into finished luxury products within African economies.

The meeting further explored the need for regional training centres in gemology, harmonised standards across producing countries and greater cooperation with international trading hubs to ensure transparent disclosure practices in global markets.

Ministers also challenged the growing perception that lab-grown diamonds are automatically more ethical or environmentally friendly than mined stones. They argued that responsible mining practices, transparent supply chains and fair labour standards could position African natural diamonds as premium and traceable products.

“A diamond’s value is not only in its sparkle,” Kiruswa said. “It is also in the story, the heritage, and the communities behind it.”

By the end of the summit, participating countries appeared united around the need for collective action to protect Africa’s natural diamond industry from growing synthetic competition while strengthening beneficiation and industrialisation across the continent.

Delegates said preserving the value of Africa’s diamonds would require stronger policy coordination, innovation and a unified continental voice in global markets