Angola's Ambitious Strategy to Domestically Process Rough Diamonds by 2027
By John Jeffay | September 17, 2025
In recent developments, Angola has set an ambitious target to significantly increase the domestic cutting and polishing of its rough diamond production, aiming to complete the majority of this process within its borders by the close of 2027. This strategic initiative, championed by Laureano Receado, an executive board member of Endiama, the state-run diamond company, is a noteworthy move in a nation rich in natural resources yet historically reliant on foreign processing facilities.
Speaking on the subject during a recent interview with state-run Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA), Receado elaborated: “The company is investing in capacity to ensure stones are increasingly finished domestically. We are building capacity so that most of Angola’s production is polished in Angola.” This initiative is geared towards not only preserving the economic value within the country but also elevating Angola’s position in the global diamond market, characterized largely by foreign processing firms.
Historically, only a modest 20 percent of Angola’s diamond output—which is projected to reach approximately 14 million carats in 2024—has been polished locally. The vast majority of this valuable resource, intended for the luxury markets of the world, has typically been exported to established diamond trading hubs such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Belgium, and other international destinations for polishing and finishing.
The government’s commitment to enhancing domestic processing capabilities is exemplified by the development of new polishing and cutting facilities in Saurimo, the geographical epicenter of Angola’s mining activities. These facilities are expected to provide local employment opportunities and foster a more sustainable economic model, which is vital in a country still navigating the complexities of post-conflict recovery and development.
Substantial potential remains untapped in Angola, with estimates indicating that around 60 percent of its diamond-rich territories have yet to be explored. The opening of Luele, Angola’s newest and largest diamond mine in November 2023, stands as a testament to Angola’s resources. This gleaming addition to its mining infrastructure is anticipated to surpass the output of the existing Catoca mine, known for its substantial contribution to Angola’s diamond industry.
The focus on internal processing can be seen as not merely an economic strategy but as a necessary evolution in the narrative of Angola’s natural resources. By ensuring that a greater proportion of value-added processes occur domestically, Angola positions itself to boost its GDP, create jobs, and ultimately channel the economic benefits of its natural wealth back into the country. This strategy also carries implications for Angola’s influence within the Southern African diamond trade, which has been historically dominated by countries such as Botswana and South Africa.
Furthermore, as the global demand for ethically sourced and conflict-free diamonds rises, Angola stands poised to leverage its vast deposits and commitment to domestic processing as a marketing tool in the luxury sector. The implications of this strategic pivot could extend beyond economic factors, fostering a narrative that centers on sustainable practices and local empowerment.
Angola’s efforts to expand its diamond-processing industry also reflect a broader trend among resource-rich nations seeking to maximize their revenues and improve local benefits from extractive industries. Namibia, for example, has similarly focused on boosting local beneficiation of its marine diamond resources, showing that Angola’s ambition is part of a regional phenomenon that recognizes the value of retaining more of the commodity’s worth on home soil.
The ambition of increasing local capacity to process diamonds aligns seamlessly with Angola’s broader economic diversification strategy. As the nation aims to reduce its dependency on oil revenues and diversify its economic portfolio, fostering a thriving domestic diamond industry offers a palpable pathway towards achieving long-term sustainability and growth.
In sum, Angola’s push to enhance the local processing of diamonds marks a pivotal shift in its economic strategy, aiming to transform the nation into a self-reliant hub in the diamond sector. As the industry evolves, the eyes of the world will undoubtedly be watching to see if Angola can fulfill its ambitious objectives and redefine its role in the global diamond landscape.
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