President – African Diamond Manufacturers Association (ADMA)

As president of the African Diamond Manufacturers Association, I see the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, as a milestone which still reverberates in global markets, especially in the sector African diamond maker. The diamond market was already being tried recover from a price breakout crisis due to multiple factors, and Now with the reformulation of the tariff table, it puts the market in a much more sensitive position for trade between Stakeholders.

Although there is a 90-day pause, these policies have directly affected the diamond trade by creating a climate of uncertainty among producers, buyers and final consumer.

For countries such as Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Central African Republic, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, DRC and Namibia, the challenges are diverse. Many depend on export of rough diamonds, and the weakening of the International trade due to tariffs or trade tensions affects directly to the National Revenue. In addition, these tariffs have made it more Expensive to import essential machinery and technology to add value locally — an important step towards the sustainable development of the sector. Despite the obstacles, there are also opportunities. The instability has led many buyers to seek suppliers closer or diverse, which opens up space for Africa position itself not only as an exporter of rough diamonds, but also as a center for cutting and design. Countries like Botswana are already a reference in this process and can serve as a model for others.

The future of the sector depends on our capacity for regional cooperation and investments in training, infrastructure and transparency. Governments local authorities must, under any circumstances, join forces and work together to the creation of a strongly prepared structure capable of dealing with crises. Our response must not only be reactive to tariffs, but strategic: transforming mineral wealth into local prosperity and building a Robust, independent and respected African value chain in the market global.