African Ministers to Attend Dubai Diamond Conference

(IDEX Online News) – A number of ministers and officials from Africa will attend the upcoming Dubai Diamond Conference, which it themed around the subject of the New Silk Route.

Among those participating are Ngoako Ramatlhodi, minister of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa; Dr. Francisco Queiroz, minister of Geology and Mines of the Republic of Angola; Martin Kabwelulu Labilo, minister of Mining of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Walter K. Chidhakwa, minister of Mines and Mining Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

In addition, Bernardo Campos, from Angola, which is currently chairing the Kimberley Process, will also attend.

Among the planned panel discussions are “Africa First,” which will feature Kennedy Hamutenya, Diamond Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia; Professor Francis Pedzana Gudyanga, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe; Paulo M’Vika, chairman of the Working Group of Artisanal and Alluvial Producers; Jacob Thamage, coordinator Diamond Hub of Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Botswana and Ola Bello, head of GARP of the South African Institute of International Affairs.

The biennial event, Organized by the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), will also bring together delegates and keynote speakers from the Middle East and Asia, heads of global diamond industry, retail organizations, and members of civil society groups.

The conference will take place from April 21-22.