The Republic of Namibia is the latest government to sign the Luanda Accord while  India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and DMCC (Dubai Multi  Commodities Centre) are set to become new members of the Natural Diamond Council.  

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 through 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 authorizations. 

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 have 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 their  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 of the Natural Diamond Council  reflects our commitment to supporting this community, while also 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. 

source: NDC