Staff Writer
The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) has affirmed its support for India’s chairmanship of the Kimberley Process for 2026 and dismissed claims that African diamond-producing countries raised concerns over the appointment.
The clarification follows an article published by Diamond World on 5 January 2026, which suggested that African producers were opposed to India assuming the role of Kimberley Process Chair.
In a statement, ADPA congratulated India, an observer member of the association since 2025, on its election as Chair of the Kimberley Process.
The association said its member states remain committed to working closely with India to strengthen the certification scheme.
ADPA said comments attributed in the article to M’zée Fula Ngenge reflect personal views and do not represent the official position of the association or the collective views of African diamond-producing countries.
It added that Fula Ngenge and the African Diamond Council are not affiliated with ADPA, are not recognised by African governments represented in the association, and do not have permission to use the ADPA logo.
The association also clarified the distinction between the two bodies.
ADPA is an intergovernmental organisation established on 4 November 2006 through the Luanda Declaration and is headquartered in Luanda, Angola.
It represents African diamond-producing nations in the global diamond industry.
The African Diamond Council, by contrast, is a non-governmental entity led by private individuals.
ADPA called for the withdrawal or retraction of the Diamond World article, citing factual inaccuracies, the unauthorised use of its logo and a misrepresentation of its official position.
It also requested the publication of a correction that clearly reflects ADPA’s government-backed mandate and its support for India’s Kimberley Process chairmanship.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Kimberley Process as the internationally recognised certification system regulating the trade in rough diamonds, ADPA encouraged stakeholders to engage directly with the association for accurate representation of its views.
The African Diamond Producers Association is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes sustainable diamond mining, trade and development in Africa. It comprises 22 member countries, including 15 effective members and seven observers and advocates for collaboration, transparency, value addition and fair market access for African diamonds.
Caption
The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) has congratulated India, an observer member of the association, on its election as Kimberley Process Chair.
- Photo: Contributed
