African Ministers and Senior Government Officials in the areas of mines, minerals and energy held a one-day workshop focussed on communicating the essential role diamonds play in the development of Africa.  During the workshop, facilitated by The De Beers Group, Ministers discussed the benefits of diamonds to their national economies and the urgent need to tell the story of diamonds.

 

As one of Africa’s major natural resources, diamonds are vital to the long-term economic sustainability of producer nations.  Diamonds have already helped to transform southern Africa and the lives of its people, many of whom depend on the trade for economic opportunities, education and access to health-care

 

Erkki Nghimtina, Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy, addressed the delegates on the importance of the diamond industry to the continent and its people.  He highlighted the need for African producers to work together to articulate the benefits of diamonds to the rest of the world, ensuring that the trade is a key part of Africa’s development and future.

 

“Every diamond not purchased is a missed chance for Africa. A missed opportunity to send more children to school, build more clinics and hospitals and continue the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Minister Nghimtina. “Our challenge is to work together to strengthen the continent’s diamond industry so that we can better provide for our people, enabling us all to share a brighter future. This workshop gives us the opportunity to do so.”

 

65 percent of the world’s diamonds are produced in Africa, contributing more than US$8.4 billion per year to the continent.   Revenues from diamonds have helped to fund the construction of hospitals, medical centres and hospices, ensuring that more than five million people worldwide have access to appropriate healthcare. In southern Africa alone, the diamond industry employs more than 28,000 people.

 

As part of its ongoing education campaign, the World Diamond Council recently launched www.diamondfacts.org. The website provides information about the benefits of diamonds to Africa and details of the Kimberley Process for consumers, the media and the diamond jewellery industry.

 

Attendees to the meeting included:

 

Namibia

Ministry of Mines and Energy: Minister Erkki Nghimtina

Ministry of Mines and Energy: Permanent Secretary, Mr Joseph Iita

Ministry of Mines and Energy: Diamond Commissioner, Mr Kennedy Hamutenya

 

Angola

Honourable Minister of Geology and Mines Mr. Manuel Africano

Arnaldo de Sousa Calado, Endiama Chairman

 

Botswana

Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources: Minister Charles Tibone

Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources: Permanent Secretary, Dr Akolang Tombale 

 

Sierra Leone

Ministry of Mineral Resources: Minister, Alhajj Mohamed Swarray Deen

Ministry of Mineral Resources: Deputy Director of Mines, Mr Usman Boie Kamara

 

Liberia

Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy: Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, Mr A Kpandel Fayia

 

South Africa

Ministry of Minerals and Energy: Deputy Director General, Mr Abiel Mngomezulu