In a fervent address at the Intra-Africa Dialogue on Rough Diamonds Beneficiation and Value Addition in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, staunchly criticized the prevalent practice of mining and exporting diamonds from African countries without adding value. Koroma vehemently denounced what he termed as “the outdated practice of dig and ship,” urging African nations to prioritize local beneficiation to enhance revenue generation.
Speaking as the Guest Speaker at the event, Koroma emphasized that mineral-rich nations had suffered from their failure to fully exploit their resources. He highlighted the success stories of countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola, which have significantly boosted their economies through value addition to rough diamonds. Stressing the importance of establishing local diamond beneficiation industries, he underscored the role of cutting-edge technologies in achieving this objective.
Koroma, who has emerged as a prominent advocate against foreign exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, urged for the formulation of new laws and policy frameworks to align with the will of citizens. He expressed hope that the discussions at the event would translate into tangible outcomes benefiting citizens across member countries.
Sierra Leone, currently holding the Vice Chair position of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), signaled its commitment to driving transformative change in the diamond trade landscape across the continent.
The Deputy Minister’s impassioned plea reflects a growing sentiment among African nations to retain greater control over their natural resources and maximize economic gains through local beneficiation processes. As discussions progress, attention now turns to the implementation of concrete measures to realize Koroma’s vision of a more equitable and prosperous diamond industry in Africa.
