The government of Namibia officially became a signatory of the Luanda Accord on Monday, 9 February 2026, during a high-level meeting at the African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. With this move, Namibia joins Botswana, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as key members committed to supporting the natural diamond industry. By signing the Accord, Namibia pledges 1% of its annual revenue from the sale of rough diamonds to the National Diamond Council (NDC) to promote and market natural diamonds. This step reflects Namibia’s commitment to boosting the global competitiveness and sustainability of its diamond sector, aligning with regional efforts led by Botswana.
The Luanda Accord, established in 2025, unites African diamond-producing countries and key industry players to increase investment in protecting and marketing natural diamonds. Botswana, as one of the founding members, has been instrumental in driving the Accord’s objectives, which focus on sustainable growth, ethical sourcing, and enhancing Africa’s position in the global market. Namibia’s participation strengthens regional collaboration and reinforces shared goals of maintaining the value and reputation of African diamonds. The Accord ensures member countries can pool resources, share expertise, and expand market reach collectively.
Through the NDC-managed fund, signatories work to increase demand for natural diamonds and counter synthetic alternatives. The initiative promotes natural diamonds as ethically sourced and high-quality, giving buyers confidence in their authenticity. Member countries, including Botswana and now Namibia, benefit from coordinated marketing campaigns and joint strategies that enhance visibility and competitiveness. Namibia’s accession also strengthens the regional voice of diamond-producing countries in international markets.
The Luanda Accord provides a platform for African governments and industry leaders to align policies, share insights, and safeguard the long-term growth of the diamond sector. By contributing resources and supporting regional marketing initiatives, Botswana, Namibia, and other members aim to protect the value of their diamonds while driving investment and economic growth. Namibia’s inclusion demonstrates the region’s continued commitment to collaboration, sustainable industry practices, and positioning Africa as a global leader in natural diamonds.
