The governments of Botswana and Angola have joined the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) as affiliated members, a step officials say will tighten links between diamond producing countries and the global diamond trading industry.
The decision was announced at the WFDB International Summit in Gaborone on 18 May 2026, according to organisers. The meeting brought together senior representatives from government and industry to discuss how the natural diamond sector can adapt as market expectations shift.
Neither nation currently operates a fully independent national diamond bourse. However, with diamonds remaining central to their economies, both governments said they want a stronger platform for engagement with trading partners and established bourses worldwide.
WFDB’s role is to coordinate and represent leading diamond bourses, and Botswana and Angola are among the first governments to be accepted into the federation’s membership structure. They will take part in the World Diamond Congress 2026 in Singapore later this year as full WFDB members.
In Botswana, minerals and energy minister Bogolo Kenewendo described the move as a sign of commitment to broader international co-operation and responsible growth. He said it would help ensure natural diamonds continue to create durable value for people in Botswana and across the wider industry.
Angola’s minister of mineral resources, Diamantino Azevedo, said joining WFDB strengthens Angola’s engagement with the international trading community and supports co-operation throughout the diamond sector.
08-06-2026
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