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Botswana, Angola Join WFDB
The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
Botswana and Angola were confirmed as nation affiliated members of the World Federation of Diamond ahead of its international summit, held this week in Gaborone.
Gaborone, Botswana—Botswana and Angola have joined the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) as nation affiliated members, the organization announced this week.
The nations’ memberships were approved during the WFDB Presidents Meeting, held before the WFDB International Summit, which took place May 18 and 19 in Gaborone, Botswana, hosted in collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy.
WFDB said the inclusion of Botswana and Angola reflects the importance of producer-country participation in shaping the future direction of the natural diamond sector, particularly around responsible sourcing, downstream development, and long-term market sustainability.
“Bringing together governments, producers, traders and industry leaders in Botswana reflects the increasing importance of alignment across the natural diamond sector at a time of significant change for the industry,” WFDB President Yoram Dvash said.
“The inclusion of Botswana and Angola further strengthens the Federation’s global representation and reinforces our shared commitment to transparency, responsibility and the long-term future of natural diamonds.”
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The nations’ memberships were approved during the WFDB Presidents Meeting, held before the WFDB International Summit, which took place May 18 and 19 in Gaborone, Botswana, hosted in collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy.
WFDB said the inclusion of Botswana and Angola reflects the importance of producer-country participation in shaping the future direction of the natural diamond sector, particularly around responsible sourcing, downstream development, and long-term market sustainability.
“Bringing together governments, producers, traders and industry leaders in Botswana reflects the increasing importance of alignment across the natural diamond sector at a time of significant change for the industry,” WFDB President Yoram Dvash said.
“The inclusion of Botswana and Angola further strengthens the Federation’s global representation and reinforces our shared commitment to transparency, responsibility and the long-term future of natural diamonds.”
The theme of the summit was “Nation-Building and the Future of Responsible Luxury.”
It centered on the long-term positioning of natural diamonds, including provenance, beneficiation, transparency, sustainability, and value creation across producing nations and trading centers.
The event coincided with Botswana’s celebrations for its 60th year of independence.
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, said, “Hosting the WFDB International Summit in Botswana during the celebration of our 60th anniversary reflects the important role Botswana has played in the governance and promotion of natural diamonds. It further highlights the impact diamonds have had on our national development journey.”
“Joining the WFDB is a further symbol of our commitment to stronger international collaboration, responsible growth and ensuring natural diamonds continue to create long-term value for our people and the wider industry.”
Dr. Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s minister of mineral resources, petroleum and gas, added, “Angola is committed to building a modern, transparent and globally competitive diamond sector.”
“Joining the WFDB represents an important step in strengthening our engagement with the international trading community while supporting broader cooperation across the industry.”
Botswana and Angola will participate in the World Diamond Congress 2026, slated for July 12-15 in Singapore, as members of the WFDB.
Founded in 1947, WFDB is the umbrella organization for the world’s leading diamond bourses.
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