Recorded WebinarsApr 23, 2021
Watch: An Update on the Moyo Gems Project 2 Years InSourcingNov 17, 2021
Moyo Gems Is Expanding Into Kenya
The mine-to-market program will also add a new mining area in Tanzania.
Mine-to-market program Moyo Gems is expanding into Taita-Taveta, Kenya. Non-governmental organization Pact recently took officials on site visits to Tanga, Tanzania, where the program already operates, to show Moyo in action. (Image courtesy Cristina Villegas, Pact)
New York—Moyo Gems, the sourcing program that tracks colored stones from women miners in East Africa from mine to market, is expanding into Kenya.
Moyo launched in early 2019 to help female miners in Tanga, Tanzania find buyers for their colored stones and teach them about the value of their gems, as well as occupational health and safety, and optimal working conditions.
The project is a collaboration among non-governmental organization Pact, stone dealers Anza Gems, Nineteen48, and now Maison Piat, the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) and Everledger/Gübelin Gem Lab with the Provenance Proof blockchain platform.
Colored stones were available for purchase beginning in late 2019, and Moyo has been steadily expanding since then. The program now involves more than 400 miners.
Soon, it will also include gems mined by women in Kenya, specifically the mineral-rich area of Taita-Taveta County that abuts the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Just as TAWOMA united the women miners involved in Tanzania, the Moyo Gems expansion will engage the Association of Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya (AWEIK).
Training will roll out early next year and exports will begin shortly thereafter.
Related stories will be right here …
Moyo launched in early 2019 to help female miners in Tanga, Tanzania find buyers for their colored stones and teach them about the value of their gems, as well as occupational health and safety, and optimal working conditions.
The project is a collaboration among non-governmental organization Pact, stone dealers Anza Gems, Nineteen48, and now Maison Piat, the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) and Everledger/Gübelin Gem Lab with the Provenance Proof blockchain platform.
Colored stones were available for purchase beginning in late 2019, and Moyo has been steadily expanding since then. The program now involves more than 400 miners.
Soon, it will also include gems mined by women in Kenya, specifically the mineral-rich area of Taita-Taveta County that abuts the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Just as TAWOMA united the women miners involved in Tanzania, the Moyo Gems expansion will engage the Association of Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya (AWEIK).
Training will roll out early next year and exports will begin shortly thereafter.
“Kenya is a natural expansion location for the Moyo Gems program,” said Cristina Villegas, director of mines to markets at Pact.
“Both Tanzania and Kenya share a gemstone belt, a common language (Kiswahili), strong women’s mining associations with which to partner, and high rates of women gem miners who are eager to join a program that is tailored to their needs.”
Villegas also confirmed that Moyo is expanding within Tanzania.
Since the Tanzania expansion is still in the early stages, the location can’t be revealed yet. But Villegas confirmed it will focus on rubies and is in a priority area for TAWOMA, which asked Pact to consider expanding the program into new areas within its membership footprint.
Pact and its partners have, and will continue to, travel to the new areas to engage with locals, and understand how Moyo could work and what changes might need to be made.
Both expansions have been made possible through The World Bank’s Extractives Global Programmatic Support fund.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
