Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA) Formed to Unlock Nation’s Diamond Potential

Maseru, Lesotho – January 8, 2025 – The Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA) is proud to announce positive results in marking a pivotal step toward elevating Lesotho’s diamond industry on the global stage. As the first association of its kind in the country, the LDMA brings together leading stakeholders in diamond cutting, polishing, and manufacturing to maximize the value of Lesotho’s world- renowned diamond resources while driving local economic growth and international competitiveness.

A Vision for Growth and Excellence

The LDMA has been created with the vision of transforming Lesotho into a leading hub for diamond manufacturing in Southern Africa. Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, vibrant culture, and one of the world’s rarest gifts—its diamonds. Known for their exceptional size, clarity, and ethical provenance, Lesotho’s diamonds are a testament to the nation’s rich natural heritage.

By harnessing the country’s exceptional diamond reserves and promoting local beneficiation, the LDMA aims to ensure that more value is retained within Lesotho, benefiting its people and economy.

“Lesotho is home to some of the world’s most exquisite diamonds, but historically, much of the value from our natural resources has been realized outside of our borders,” said Kobina Baffoe, President of the LDMA. “Our association is committed to changing this by fostering a vibrant diamond manufacturing sector that creates jobs, develops local expertise, and positions Lesotho as a key player in the global diamond industry.”

Strategic Objectives

The LDMA has outlined several core objectives to guide its activities:

1. Enhancing Local Value Addition: Encourage the establishment of cutting and polishing facilities in Lesotho to ensure diamonds are processed locally, retaining value within the country.

• Promoting Skills Development: Partner with educational institutions and international experts to provide training programs that build the capacity of Basotho workers in advanced diamond manufacturing techniques.

• Strengthening Industry Standards: Collaborate with government bodies and industry players to uphold transparency, ethical practices, and compliance with international regulations, including the Kimberley Process.

• Attracting Investment: Position Lesotho as an attractive destination for investors in diamond manufacturing through incentives, infrastructure development, and a stable regulatory framework.

• Advancing Innovation: Support the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of diamond processing, ensuring Lesotho remains competitive globally.

Highlighting Lesotho’s Diamond Potential

Lesotho has long been celebrated for its high-quality diamond deposits, with a reputation for producing some of the world’s largest and most valuable gemstones. Iconic discoveries, such as the 910-carat “Lesotho Legend” in 2018 and the 603-carat “Lesotho Promise,” have solidified the country’s position as a significant player in the diamond mining sector.

Despite these successes, much of the downstream value addition—such as cutting, polishing, and manufacturing—has occurred outside of Lesotho, limiting the full economic benefits of the industry. The LDMA is determined to change this narrative by creating a robust local manufacturing ecosystem that allows Lesotho to not only mine diamonds but also shape them into finished products that command premium prices on the global market.

Collaborative Partnerships for Success

The LDMA recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving its goals. The association is committed to working closely together with the African Diamond Manufacturers Association (ADMA), the Government of Lesotho as well as with mining companies and international partners to create an enabling environment for growth. It will also engage with global diamond trade organizations such as the African Diamond Council (ADC) to ensure that Lesotho aligns with international best practices and remains a trusted source of ethically produced diamonds.

Driving Economic Empowerment

One of the LDMA’s central missions is to empower the people of Lesotho by creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship. The association aims to stimulate economic activity across the diamond value chain, from mining to retail, ensuring that the benefits of the industry are shared widely.

“By focusing on local beneficiation, skills development, and innovation, the LDMA is poised to transform Lesotho’s diamond industry into a cornerstone of our nation’s economy,” according to the LDMA

President. “We invite all stakeholders to join us in realizing this vision and unlocking the true potential of Lesotho’s diamond wealth.”

About the Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA)

The Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA) is more than just an international diamond industry organization, it is movement to redefine the diamond industry in Lesotho and is dedicated to promoting the growth of the domestic diamond manufacturing sector. With a focus on value addition, ethical practices, and economic empowerment, the LDMA seeks to position Lesotho as a global leader in diamond manufacturing while fostering sustainable development for the country and its people.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Kobina Baffoe

President

Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA)

Email: baffoe@ldma.co.ls

Phone: +266 6226 1221