Namibia signs Luanda Accord at Mining Indaba as global diamond coalition grows

The Luanda Accord has expanded with the Republic of Namibia formally joining the initiative, while India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) move toward membership of the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).

The development was announced at the second high-level meeting of the Luanda Accord held on the sidelines of the African Mining Indaba 2026. The Accord brings together diamond-producing governments and industry stakeholders committed to sustained investment in global generic marketing for natural diamonds, led by the NDC.

By signing the Accord, Namibia joins Angola, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo as a signatory. The move commits the country to supporting the natural diamond industry through agreed financial contributions aligned with the principles of the Luanda Accord.

Namibia’s diamond industry dates back to 1908 and the country is currently the world’s fifth-largest diamond producer by value. The sector remains a major pillar of the national economy, supporting employment, community development and government revenue for infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Namibia’s Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, said the decision reflects the country’s responsibility to protect the value of its resources and ensure long-term benefits for its people.

Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper described Namibia’s accession as a strong signal of leadership from a major producing nation, noting that collective action is critical to protecting the integrity and desirability of natural diamonds.

At the same meeting, GJEPC and the NDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a pathway for GJEPC to become an NDC member by 1 May 2026, subject to agreement on financial contributions and completion of regulatory requirements. Membership would enable both organisations to collaborate ahead of the 2026 holiday season.

GJEPC Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh said India’s role at the centre of the global diamond value chain makes collaboration essential to building long-term consumer confidence in natural diamonds.

DMCC also signed a Letter of Intent signalling its intention to become an NDC member by 1 May 2026. DMCC Executive Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem said the move reflects Dubai’s commitment to supporting a transparent, competitive and sustainable global diamond industry, while recognising the importance of African producing nations.

The latest developments mark a significant step forward for the Luanda Accord and the Natural Diamond Council’s mission to protect and promote the integrity, desirability and enduring value of natural diamonds worldwide. The Accord’s signatories and the NDC continue to urge participants across the diamond value chain to support collective efforts to strengthen global consumer demand.