Philemon Jambaya
In a positive development, Vice President Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a global initiative to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
During the opening of the KPCS plenary meeting in Victoria Falls, Mohadi highlighted the country’s achievements in the diamond industry and its unwavering dedication to complying with KPCS regulations.
Mohadi acknowledged the challenges Zimbabwe has faced in the past but expressed pride in its growth over the past decade, culminating in the country’s successful chairmanship of the KPCS in 2023. He emphasised the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for mining companies and ensuring that civil society organisations have a voice in the diamond sector.
Zimbabwe also commended the KPCS for its significant role in restoring order to the diamond industry in Africa, where the continent contributes at least 65% of rough diamonds. The country praised the KPCS’s success in controlling over 99.8% of the global diamond supply, effectively eliminating conflict diamonds from the market.
Echoing Zimbabwe’s commitment, KPCS Chair and Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitando, stressed the importance of aligning with international best practices to ensure the diamond industry's continued prosperity. He acknowledged the evolving nature of the diamond industry and the KPCS’s crucial role in adapting to these changing realities.
The World Diamond Council, a global association representing the diamond industry, expressed its unwavering support for the KPCS. WDC president, Feriel Zerouki, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ethical sourcing and trade practices and pledged to provide technical assistance to ensure the smooth functioning of the KPCS.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the KPCS, and Zimbabwe’s chairmanship underscores the country’s significance in the global diamond industry. With renewed commitments from key stakeholders, the KPCS is well-positioned to continue its mission of ensuring a conflict-free diamond trade.
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