Angola reaffirmed its commitment to a diamond industry based on transparency, sustainability, and value creation for communities during the 41st World Diamond Congress of the World Federation of Diamond Exchanges (WFDB), held in Singapore. The message was conveyed by the Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Jânio Corrêa Victor, representing the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo.

In his speech, the official highlighted that Angola is currently the world's third largest producer of diamonds, in both volume and value, and reiterated the national ambition to rise to the position of second largest global producer by 2030, supported by structural reforms, attracting investment, and strategic partnerships with leading international companies.

Jânio Corrêa Victor highlighted the Luele mine in Lunda Sul as the main driver of growth in national diamond production and emphasized the potential of the future Chiri mine, operated by Rio Tinto. He also reaffirmed Angola's commitment to transparency and traceability, evidenced by participation in the Kimberley Process, adherence to the EITI, and partnership with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

“A diamond mined in Angola, certified by the Kimberley Process, verified by the EITI, traded through the Angolan Diamond Exchange and marketed by a WFDB member represents a value chain and custody that no synthetic alternative can replicate. Angola is committed to building, protecting and sharing it with all members of this Federation. We look forward to a lasting partnership,” he stated.

The social impact of natural diamonds was another central theme of the speech. The Secretary of State highlighted the sector's contribution to employment, vocational training, and the development of producing communities, emphasizing the role of the Brilhante Foundation and the Saurimo Diamond Development Hub in creating added value and locally processing diamonds.

In the commercial sphere, he highlighted SODIAM, the Angolan Diamond Exchange, as a strategic instrument to strengthen traceability and transparency in the marketing of Angolan diamonds. He also reiterated Angola's commitment to the Luanda Agreement, through the contribution of 1% of rough diamond revenues to the international promotion of natural diamonds.

In closing his remarks, Jânio Corrêa Victor invited the global diamond community to participate in the International Conference on Mines and Diamonds, to be held in Luanda in November, reaffirming the country's commitment to a more transparent, sustainable and development-generating industry.