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
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
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.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
