The Qatar Diamond Exchange welcomed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Africa to Ras Bufontas Free Zone, as part of its efforts to strengthen international relationships and explore new opportunities for diamond trade cooperation. Co-hosted in collaboration with the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Qatar, the visit marks an important step in the Exchange’s engagement with Africa, home to some of the world’s leading diamond-producing countries and a strategic priority in its ambition to connect producers with international buyers and manufacturers.
Among the high-level attendees was H.E. Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and National Security of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The visitors were welcomed by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, alongside senior representatives of the Exchange, with diplomats representing Angola, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The program included a presentation outlining the Exchange’s objectives, planned operations and role in international diamond trading. The diplomats also toured the Exchange’s upcoming trading floor and met with the leadership team to discuss developments in the global diamond industry and explore potential areas for cooperation.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani said: “Africa plays a defining role in the global diamond industry, and we see significant opportunities to build on that strength through deeper international cooperation. Our ambition is to position Qatar Diamond Exchange as a trusted gateway connecting diamond-producing countries with global markets, supported by Qatar’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure and business environment. We are committed to building an ecosystem that advances responsible trade, creates long-term economic value and opens new opportunities for countries and businesses across the diamond value chain.”
H.E. Valérie Lusamba Kabeya, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the State of Qatar, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with Qatar Diamond Exchange to create stronger connections between African diamond producers and international markets. Africa is home to some of the world’s largest diamond reserves, and it is important that our countries see greater economic benefits from these resources. For us, the diamond industry is not only an important contributor to our economies, but also a source of opportunity for future generations. As a leading diamond producer, the Democratic Republic of the Congo looks forward to building partnerships that support the long-term growth of the industry and create more opportunities for African businesses.”
According to Kimberley Process statistics, African countries account for a significant share of global diamond production, reflecting the continent’s longstanding importance to the international diamond industry.
The visit builds on the Exchange’s growing international network, following memoranda of understanding signed with the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, the Tokyo Diamond Exchange, Borsa Diamanti d’Italia and the London Diamond Bourse. Together with the visit by diplomatic representatives from across Africa, these partnerships strengthen Qatar Diamond Exchange’s relationships across the global diamond supply chain, supporting its strategy to strengthen Qatar’s position in the international diamond industry and contribute to the country’s economic diversification goals under Qatar National Vision 2030.
