Gaborone: The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has concluded its International Summit in Gaborone, Botswana, bringing together senior government representatives, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the global natural diamond value chain to examine the sector’s future amid shifting market dynamics and evolving consumer expectations.
Held from 18-19 May in collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy under the theme “Nation-Building and the Future of Responsible Luxury”, the summit focused on the long-term positioning of natural diamonds, including provenance, beneficiation, transparency, sustainability and value creation across producing nations and trading centres. The gathering sought to reinforce consumer confidence and strengthen the value proposition of natural diamonds within an increasingly competitive luxury landscape.
A key milestone of the summit was the announcement that Botswana and Angola have joined the WFDB as Nation Affiliated Members, broadening the Federation’s international representation and deepening engagement between producing countries and the global trading community.
The addition of Botswana and Angola marks an important breakthrough for the global natural diamond industry, reflecting a growing spirit of collaboration and alignment across the value chain. It underscores the increasing importance of closer cooperation between producing countries, trading centres and industry stakeholders to support the long-term sustainability, credibility and future growth of the sector.
The inclusion of Botswana and Angola reflects the growing strategic importance of producer-country participation in shaping the future direction of the natural diamond sector, particularly around responsible sourcing, downstream development and long-term market sustainability.
Mr. Yoram Dvash, President, WFDB, said, “Bringing together governments, producers, traders and industry leaders in Botswana reflects the increasing importance of alignment across the natural diamond sector at a time of significant change for the industry. The inclusion of Botswana and Angola further strengthens the Federation’s global representation and reinforces our shared commitment to transparency, responsibility and the long-term future of natural diamonds.”
Mr. Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana said, “Hosting the WFDB International Summit in Botswana during the celebration of our 60th anniversary reflects the important role Botswana has played in the governance and promotion of natural diamonds. It further highlights the impact diamonds have had on our national development journey. Joining the WFDB is a further symbol of our commitment to stronger international collaboration, responsible growth and ensuring natural diamonds continue to create long-term value for our people and the wider industry.”
Dr. Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola, said, “Angola is committed to building a modern, transparent and globally competitive diamond sector. Joining the WFDB represents an important step in strengthening our engagement with the international trading community while supporting broader co-operation across the industry.”
The summit coincided with Botswana’s 60th anniversary celebrations, recognising the country’s diamond leadership and role in demonstrating how natural resources can support economic development, infrastructure investment and institutional growth when supported by long-term policy alignment and industry partnership. Alongside plenary sessions and strategic dialogues, delegates participated in technical visits across Botswana’s diamond ecosystem, including cutting and polishing facilities, midstream operations and mine-site engagements focused on responsible mining practices and downstream value creation.
Botswana and Angola were officially approved as Nation Affiliated Members during the WFDB Presidents Meeting held ahead of the summit, and will participate in the World Diamond Congress 2026 in Singapore as members of the Federation.
Founded in 1947, the WFDB is the umbrella organisation of the world’s leading diamond bourses and is dedicated to promoting transparency, ethical trade and the long-term sustainability of the natural diamond industry.
