International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
Instappraise & NAJA Tie Up: Third Scholarship Unlocks appraisal Mastery For Global Pros
Renewed Partnership Boosts Access To NAJA Certification Pathways and Instappraise Tool
Instappraise, a jewellery appraisal software provider founded in 2019, has renewed and extended its educational partnership with the National Association of Jewellery Appraisers (NAJA), a US-based professional body established in 1981 that focuses on appraisal education, certification, and ethical standards, introducing a third scholarship to widen access to formal appraisal training and reinforce global standards.
The expanded programme now offers three distinct pathways. The first targets non-members with gemmological credentials, providing NAJA membership, access to Lessons 1-5 of the Appraisal Studies Course, and a one-year Instappraise software subscription, valued at $2,070. The second supports existing NAJA members pursuing certification, while the third enables certified members to advance to the Certified Master Appraiser designation, with benefits valued at $1,775.
The initiative responds to rising demand for structured education amid evolving valuation standards and regulatory expectations. Applicants must submit an essay, demonstrate recognised gemmological qualifications, and complete coursework within defined timelines to maintain academic rigour.
Instappraise’s appraisal platform is positioned to support NAJA and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)-compliant reporting through structured documentation and workflow tools, while NAJA continues to anchor professional education and certification.
Applications close on 15 June 2026, with winners to be announced at NAJA’s 66th Annual ACEit Mid-Year Education Conference in August.
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