ZIMBABWE is committed to the value addition of its diamonds to ensure that its citizens can fully benefit from the gems, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said during the 8th session of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Ordinary Council of African ministers held in Victoria Falls.
The meeting was attended by African ministers in charge of mining portfolios and other key players in the diamond mining industry, with discussions focusing on the sustainable mining of diamonds.
The President stressed the importance of value addition in the diamond sector.
“Increasing the capabilities along the entire diamond value chain should be a key focus area. On your part as diamond-producing countries, you are challenged to prioritise and scale up value addition and beneficiation going into the future.”
President Mnangagwa emphasised the need to empower the citizens in diamond-producing countries, highlighting Zimbabwe’s strides in ensuring the sector is bolstered.
“The citizenry within African diamond-producing countries must be empowered and facilitated to play a greater role in the diamond value chain,” he said.
“To date, Zimbabwe is strengthening capabilities in the diamond sector with the recent establishment of a gemology centre. Our people especially the youth and women should not be mere spectators but active participants in aspects of this strategic mining sub-sector.”
President Mnangagwa said expectations are that the diamond mining industry will steer economic growth in Africa.
“It is our expectation that the diamond mining and processing sectors significantly contribute to the sustainable economic growth of our African economies. As the incoming chair of ADPA, Zimbabwe is determined to effectively coordinate and consolidate the work of the secretariat of this important organisation,” said the President.
He also emphasised the need to push for the growth of the African diamond sector at a time when Zimbabwe is targeting to achieve a US$12 billion mining industry by the end of the year.
“This is the time to push for the growth of the African diamond sector together as one. Let us, therefore, use the contribution of the diamond sub-sector towards the attainment of the aspirations set out in the African Union agenda 2063 and sustainable development goals,” said the President.
Winston Chitando -Mines and Mining Development Minister was appointed as the new ADPA chair, taking over from the outgoing Doto Biteko from Tanzania.
ADPA was formed in 2006 to create a framework and forum where member states discuss their common interests, among other issues. – (ZBC) (edited)
