Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has today officiated the opening of the Extraordinary Meeting of the African Diamond Producers Association Committee of Experts and Council of Ministers in Victoria Falls.
Speaking during the official opening, President Mnangagwa said, “It is most opportune that this meeting is convening at a time when lessons continue to be learnt with regards to the need to insulate our economies against natural disasters, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and other global shocks.”
President Mnangagwa said the present global realities should give impetus for the African Diamond Producers to scale up their activities towards ensuring that the diamond-mining sector plays its part to address the socio-economic needs of African economies.
The President applauded the African Diamond Producers for choosing Zimbabwe to host this event.
“It is most humbling that you chose Zimbabwe as the host of this strategic conference as we re-organize and reform our association towards a dynamic and sustainable diamond industry in Africa.”
President Mnangagwa said that the mining sector is a significant contributor to world economic development and is also the largest foreign currency earner for most developing countries, especially those in Africa.
President Mnangagwa challenged the Association to think “big” for the advancement of African continent.
“As you reform, I challenge the Association, and indeed the sector, to think in ‘big-picture terms.’ Cross-sectoral linkages must be pursued for the advancement of the industrialization and modernization of our countries.
“The growth of the sector must translate to, not only job creation, but the modernization of infrastructure, such as roads, railways, housing, water and sanitation among other amenities,” he said.
He urged the Association to continue strengthening cooperation with regards to laws, policies and strategies concerning prospecting, mining, production, cutting and polishing of the diamonds.
President Mnangagwa encouraged greater information sharing between member states of the African Diamond Producers Association.
He said that the continued export of raw diamonds is a misnomer, especially in view of the fact that Africa produces about 60 percent of the world`s diamonds.
President Mnangagwa encouraged African producing countries to increase beneficiation and value chain development, so that African countries become major producers of diamond jewelry and other accessories.
President Mnangagwa welcomed Zimbabwe`s appointment as the incoming Vice-Chair and subsequent Chair, after Tanzania.
“Following Zimbabwe`s appointment as the incoming Vice-Chair and subsequent Chair, after the Republic of Tanzania, during the 7th Council of Ministers Meeting held in 2021,my country humbly welcomes this role.
“We stand ready to play our part towards advancing the aspirations and objectives of this important organization. Together as the African Diamond Producers Association, let us strengthen our institution and unreservedly lobby with one collective and united voice for the growth of the African diamond mining sub-sector,” said President Mnangagwa.
The conference is running under the theme, “Organizational and Structural Reforms of the Association of African Diamond Producing Countries.”
