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Namibia Joins the ‘Luanda Accord’ Natural Diamonds Marketing Initiative February 09, 2026 (0 comments)
Cape Town, South Africa--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 agreements occurred during the second Luanda Accord meeting held on February 9.
[Representatives of the NDC, GJEPC and DMCC at the second Luanda Accord meeting on February 9]
The 2025 Luanda Accord is an agreement by major diamond-producing countries and industry leaders to establish a sustainable, jointly funded global marketing campaign to promote natural diamonds against lab-grown alternatives. Signatories have committed to contributing 1% of rough diamond sales revenue to support this marketing initiative.
By becoming its latest member, Namibia commits to supporting the natural diamond industry through an agreed but publicly unspecified contribution to global category marketing in alignment with the principles of the Luanda Accord. With the signing, Namibia joins Angola, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo as members of the accord.
With a diamond industry dating back to 1908, Namibia is the fifth largest diamond producer in the world by value and is home to a significant diamond cutting and polishing industry.
“Natural diamonds have helped shape Namibia’s economic story for more than a century, creating jobs, supporting communities and contributing directly to national development,” said Modestus Amutse, minister of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia. “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, added: “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 May 1, 2026. The date was chosen to allow 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.
“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,” said Shaunak Parikh, vice chairman of GJEPC.
In addition, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre signed a Letter of Intent reflecting their continued commitment to advancing the objectives of the Luanda Accord, including through becoming a NDC member May 1, 2026.
“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,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC executive chairman and CEO.