Namibia has signed the Beijing Declaration on Natural Diamonds and Sustainable Development, opening the way for closer cooperation with China’s diamond industry and stronger market links for African-produced natural diamonds.
The agreement, signed in Beijing on 15 September, brings together Namibia, Botswana and South Africa with the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) and representatives of the Chinese and international diamond industries.
Namibia was represented by its Ambassador to China, Tonata Itenge-Emvula.
The declaration seeks to strengthen links between African diamond-producing countries and the Chinese market, with a focus on market access, skills development, local value creation, economic diversification and consumer awareness of the origins of natural diamonds.
De Beers Group CEO Al Cook said the framework could strengthen connections between African diamond producers and Chinese consumers while supporting jobs and livelihoods in producing countries.
“‘Building Forever’ lies at the heart of De Beers’ approach in Africa. We want every diamond discovered to bring real, positive impact for the people and the land where we find these precious stones,” Cook said.
“We welcome the Beijing Declaration as a new framework to help us better link African diamond-producing countries with Chinese consumers.”
The declaration also provides for greater sharing of information on the origin of natural diamonds and their socioeconomic contribution to producing countries.
It recognises the contribution of the natural diamond industry to economic growth, employment, livelihoods, skills development and conservation in African producing countries and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The agreement further seeks to expand cooperation between China and African diamond-producing countries through existing bilateral and multilateral China-Africa mechanisms.
For Namibia, the framework provides an avenue to deepen engagement with the Chinese diamond market while advancing local value addition and skills development in the domestic diamond industry.
The Shanghai Diamond Exchange said planned areas of cooperation include the exchange of industry market data, consumer education on diamond origins and socioeconomic impacts, the sharing of industry practices across borders and the identification of further opportunities under China-Africa sustainable development initiatives.
The signing was attended by senior representatives from China’s jewellery sector and the global diamond industry, including Cook, Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper and World Diamond Council representative Emma Wade-Smith.
The declaration comes amid growing interest among Chinese consumers in the authenticity, traceability, cultural significance and long-term value of natural diamonds
