Tanzania has urged African diamond-producing countries to adopt a common strategy to protect the global market for natural diamonds amid rising competition from laboratory-grown stones that are reshaping the industry and weakening confidence in the value of natural gems.
The appeal was made by Deputy Minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, during the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Council of Ministers meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on May 20, 2026.
Speaking during the high-level meeting, Dr Kiruswa warned that the rapid growth of synthetic diamonds in international markets poses a serious challenge to African economies that depend on natural diamond exports for revenue, employment and investment.
He called on African producers to strengthen cooperation in defending the reputation and uniqueness of natural diamonds through coordinated marketing campaigns and stronger consumer awareness initiatives.
“We must continue educating consumers about the difference between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown stones while protecting the authenticity and long-term value of Africa’s natural resources,” he said.
Dr Kiruswa noted that natural diamonds remain an important economic pillar for many African countries, supporting mining communities, generating foreign exchange earnings and contributing to national development.
He also stressed the need for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead focus on value addition within the continent to maximise economic gains from the sector.
According to him, expanding local cutting, polishing and jewellery manufacturing industries would help create jobs, boost industrialisation and increase Africa’s share in the global diamond value chain.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from African diamond-producing nations to discuss the future of the sector amid changing global market dynamics and growing competition from synthetic alternatives.
During the session, member states adopted several resolutions, including strengthening international certification and classification systems that clearly distinguish natural diamonds from synthetic stones.
The ministers further agreed to engage international diamond trading institutions to support Africa’s efforts to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of the natural diamond market.
The meeting also resolved to strengthen unity among African producers in responding to emerging challenges affecting the global diamond trade, with leaders insisting that a coordinated continental approach is necessary to secure the future of the industry.