Key takeaways
• Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, joining Angola, Botswana, and the DRC to support global natural diamond marketing.
• India’s GJEPC and Dubai’s DMCC have committed to becoming members of the Natural Diamond Council by May 2026.
• These developments aim to protect the integrity and desirability of natural diamonds through collective industry action and sustained investment.
(CAPE TOWN) – The Luanda Accord held its second high-level meeting at the African Mining Indaba 2026, marking an expansion of collective action in support of global generic marketing for natural diamonds, led by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).
The Accord brings together diamond-producing governments and industry stakeholders committed to sustained investment in protecting and promoting the natural diamond category. Its inaugural meeting took place in June 2025, with participation from producing countries and leaders across the global natural diamond value chain.
At today’s meeting, the Government of the Republic of Namibia formally became a signatory to the Luanda Accord, joining Angola, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. By signing, Namibia commits to supporting the natural diamond industry by making an agreed contribution to global category marketing, in alignment with the principles of the Luanda Accord. The announcement follows Namibia’s expression of strong support in principle at the first Luanda Accord meeting and the subsequent completion of all required governmental authorisations.
With a diamond industry dating back to 1908, Namibia is today the fifth-largest diamond producer in the world by value and home to a significant diamond-cutting and polishing industry. For decades, diamonds have been a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy, generating employment, supporting local communities, and providing vital government revenue that has funded infrastructure, healthcare, and education for the people of Namibia.
Honourable Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, said: “Natural diamonds have helped shape Namibia’s economic story for more than a century, creating jobs, supporting communities, and contributing directly to national development. By joining the Luanda Accord, Namibia is affirming that producing countries have both a stake and a responsibility in telling the true story of natural diamonds. This is about ensuring that the value created by our resources continues to benefit our people, today and for generations to come.”
Amber Pepper, CEO of the NDC, said: “Namibia’s decision to formally join the Luanda Accord is a powerful signal of leadership from one of the world’s largest diamond-producing nations. Collective action is essential to protect the integrity and desirability of natural diamonds, and Namibia’s commitment strengthens our ability to tell the compelling story of their positive impact.”
At the same meeting, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the NDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out a pathway for GJEPC to become an NDC member by 1 May 2026. Membership is subject to agreement on the level and structure of financial contribution, followed by completion of legal and regulatory requirements. Accession by May 2026 will enable GJEPC and the NDC to work together ahead of the 2026 holiday season. This step builds on GJEPC’s signature of the Luanda Accord in June 2025 and reflects its continued commitment to collective action in support of the natural diamond sector.
On signing the MOU, Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, said: “India sits at the heart of the global natural diamond value chain, from cutting and polishing to a fast-growing domestic consumer market. Joining forces with the Natural Diamond Council reflects our belief that the future of natural diamonds depends on collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to building long-term consumer confidence.”
Amber Pepper added: “GJEPC has long been a valued partner of the Natural Diamond Council. Their move toward membership deepens that partnership and strengthens our ability to reach the next generation of consumers with clear, compelling information about what makes natural diamonds rare, authentic, and meaningful.”
Additionally, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) signed a Letter of Intent reflecting its continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the Luanda Accord, including through becoming a member of the NDC by 1 May 2026.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, commented:
“As the world’s largest diamond trading hub, DMCC is home to a leading community of companies operating across the global diamond trade. Our move toward membership in the Natural Diamond Council reflects our commitment to supporting this community and contributing to the continued growth and long-term stability of the natural diamond industry.
Strengthening the way natural diamonds are presented to consumers is key to building awareness and sustaining demand. We also recognise the important role African producing nations play in the industry and will continue to work with partners to help ensure the value generated supports economic progress in the countries and communities from which these resources originate.
By connecting production with international markets through Dubai, DMCC will continue to support a transparent, competitive, and future-focused diamond sector.”
Amber Pepper noted: “I welcome the opportunity to work with DMCC to ensure that the industry’s efforts to support the natural diamond sector are aligned and amplified around the world.”
Together, these developments represent a significant step forward for the Luanda Accord and for the NDC as it advances its mission to protect and promote the integrity, desirability, and enduring value of natural diamonds worldwide.
The Luanda Accord signatories and the NDC continue to call on all participants across the diamond value chain – from miners and traders to manufacturers and retailers – to support this initiative. A shared vision, matched by sustained investment in consumer demand, is essential to the future of the natural diamond industry.
About Natural Diamond Council (NDC)
Natural Diamond Council is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating consumers about the real, rare, and responsible values of natural diamonds and the positive impact the industry has around the world. NDC’s editorial destination, naturaldiamonds.com, is the trusted authority on natural diamonds, publishing daily stories on diamond values, history, celebrity, trends, engagement rings, buying guidance, and industry impact. Through Only Natural Diamonds—its consumer-facing digital magazine, biannual print edition, and social media ecosystem—NDC curates exclusive storytelling that celebrates natural diamonds from their extraordinary origins to their modern expressions and cultural relevance.
NDC provides marketing and educational materials to retailers and industry partners to amplify the integrity and desirability of natural diamonds. NDC members’ operations span four continents and ten countries, supporting the livelihoods of 10 million people worldwide. NDC teams are based in New York, Mumbai, Shanghai, London, Paris, and Antwerp.
Social: @onlynaturaldiamonds (LinkedIn: Natural Diamond Council)
Websites: naturaldiamonds.com, diamondlearningcenter.org
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