INTERVIEW: Kobina Baffoe, President – Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA)

“Lesotho possesses several advantages that can help its diamond industry further advance and profit. Our key advantage is that our country is known for producing exceptional diamonds, including some of the largest and most valuable gem-quality stones in the world, which gives us a strong reputation globally,” says Kobina Baffoe, President of Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA)

Kobina Baffoe, President -LDMA, is a visionary leader and innovator within Africa’s diamond sector hails from Lesotho, known for its exceptional diamond reserves. Propelled by a fervent desire to enhance Lesotho’s prominence in the global diamond market, Kobina established “Flawless Diamonds, a company symbolizing impeccable quality and authenticity. From its inception, his mission has been to advocate for Lesotho’s diamonds, ensuring their provenance is celebrated and their value preserved.

As the founding member and President of the Diamond Dealers Club Lesotho, inaugurated in 2024, Kobina has diligently worked to establish platforms that promote ethical sourcing, transparency, and the artistry of Lesotho’s diamonds. Kobina is a staunch proponent of technology-driven solutions that enhance traceability, exemplified by his collaboration with Authentia.io to pioneer diamond provenance and traceability.

Kobina’s vision for the Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA), a substructure of the African Diamond Manufacturers Association (ADMA), underscores his focus on creating sustainable value chains that benefit local communities. As he continues to shape the future of the diamond industry, Kobina Baffoe remains deeply committed to amplifying Lesotho’s and Africa’s presence on the global stage, demonstrating that the continent’s diamonds are more than mere treasures. According to Kobina, they are emblems of resilience, authenticity, and unparalleled beauty.

Here, in an Exclusive Interview with Precious World, Kobina Baffoe talks about Lesotho’s diamonds and what they stand for, with immense pride and dedication.

Some excerpts …

The Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA) formation is a forward-looking and progressive step. What are the main intentions or objectives of the association?

The Lesotho Diamond Manufacturers Association (LDMA) was structured to strengthen Lesotho’s diamond industry through several key undertakings. Our main objective is to promote ethical practices, ensure the advancement of international standards like the Kimberley Process (KP) in an attempt to expand their mandate in efforts to prevent human rights violations and incorporate an advanced, all-inclusive traceability solution for the entire gemstone trade.

Secondly, we intend to emphasize local value addition by encouraging the cutting, polishing and processing of domestically mined natural diamonds, which would create employment and retain more economic value internally. We also bring capacity building into focus by training workers to enhance their skills and improve the way Lesotho’s high-quality diamonds are globally marketed. The association advocates for the interests of manufacturers, facilitates market access and promotes sustainable development to responsibly manage environmental and social impacts. Overall, the LDMA works to position Lesotho as a competitive and ethical player in the global diamond industry.

What major steps does the organization plan to undertake to bring maximum benefit to the country’s diamond industry?

LDMA is taking several strategic steps to maximize the benefits of Lesotho’s thriving diamond industry. The immediate goal is aimed at promoting local value addition by encouraging the establishment of cutting and polishing of diamonds within the country, which will assist in retaining more domestic revenue. There will also be a strong emphasis on capacity building by providing training programs that enhance the skills of workers in the domestic diamond manufacturing sector. Thirdly, we are currently advocating for the government and international bodies to devise and implement supportive policies that are designed to ensure a favourable regulatory environment. Additionally, the LDMA is currently working to expand market access by promoting Lesotho’s highly sought-after diamonds as ethically sourced in global markets. Finally, we are emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the industry’s growth is environmentally and socially responsible. These steps collectively aim to boost economic growth, create employment, and highlight Lesotho as a key player in the global diamond industry

What are the plus points of Lesotho that will help the diamond industry to flourish? Your views?

Lesotho possesses several advantages that can help its diamond industry further advance and profit. Our key advantage is that our country is known for producing exceptional diamonds, including some of the largest and most valuable gem-quality stones in the world, which gives us a strong reputation globally. Another aspect is that Lesotho has a stable political environment and a government that supports the diamond industry through favourable policies and partnerships. We are also members of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which was designed to assist in ensuring that diamonds are ethically sourced. LDMA shall join the movement that is pushing the KP to adopt a worldwide traceability solution that appeases demands coming from international buyers. Finally, the focus is on local value addition, such as cutting and polishing diamonds domestically to create jobs and boost economic growth.

These factors will help LDMA position Lesotho as a promising hub for our diamond industry to flourish and gain more international influence.

It’s a known fact that Africa / Lesotho’s natural wealth has been carted out of the country. How does LDMA intend to correct this trend, and utilise the natural resources for the upliftment of Lesotho?

The LDMA is pushing for better revenue-sharing agreements, higher royalties, and equity stakes in mining companies. We shall also assist the government in developing effective financial incentives for local entrepreneurs to invest in mining and diamond-related industries. We shall also leverage international partnerships with African institutions, such as the African Union (AU) as well as other continental industry bodies to assist us in negotiating fairer mining agreements in Lesotho. A key part of LDMA’s strategy is highlighted through the association’s partnership with Authentia.io, Africa’s preferred provenance and traceability supplier. Authentia’s advanced technology ensures that every diamond is ethically sourced and fully traceable, serving as an ideal example for international standards such as the Kimberley Process.

This enhances consumer confidence and positions Lesotho’s diamonds as responsibly mined and processed. Additionally, the LDMA works with the government to implement policies that support local beneficiation and attract investment in downstream industries. By leveraging partnerships with industry bodies, such as the African Diamond Manufacturers Association (ADMA), the African Diamond Council (ADC) and technology providers that are focused on incorporating traceability solutions that offer certificates of origin, tracking systems, nano-tagging, and titles of ownership, Lesotho can retain more diamond wealth, foster sustainable development, and prevent exploitation by foreign corporations.

What does Lesotho offer to attract investors, as a destination for setting up diamond manufacturing units?

Lesotho offers a unique combination of high-quality diamonds, a stable political environment, and government support through favourable mining policies. The country’s commitment to ethical sourcing will position the country to be the best example of provenance and traceability, which ensures transparency and trust. In addition, Lesotho’s focus on local value addition and access to skilled labour creates for cutting, polishing, and manufacturing. Lesotho is a strategic location that also provides access to key international markets, which makes Lesotho an attractive and sustainable destination for investment in diamond processing.

It is reported that Africa is looking for diamond workers from other centres to man their factories as well as provide training, What’s the situation in this area… in Lesotho?

In Lesotho, there is a growing focus on building local capacity in the diamond industry. While the country is developing its skilled workforce through training programs and partnerships, there is also a recognition of the need to bring in experienced workers and trainers from established diamond centres to fast-track expertise and knowledge transfer. This approach helps bridge skill gaps and ensures international standards are met in cutting, polishing, and manufacturing.

LDMA is actively working with the government to create a balance between local workforce development and leveraging global expertise to strengthen Lesotho’s diamond industry. This dual strategy not only enhances local skills but also positions Lesotho as a competitive player in the worldwide diamond market.