7 African countries leading in diamond production value

The continent's diamond industry plays a crucial role in the global market, with several countries standing out for their significant contributions.

This article highlights the top seven African countries leading in diamond production value according to recent statistics from the Kimberley Process—a collaborative initiative involving governments, industry, and civil society to regulate diamond trade and production.

Below are the top 7 African countries with the highest diamond production values:

Botswana

Botswana leads the continent in diamond production, with its mines valued at $3.28 billion in 2023. The country's diamond industry is a major driver of its economy, providing substantial revenue and employment. The diamond industry accounted for approximately 20% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022.

Angola

Angola's diamond reserves are vast, with production valued at over $1.53 billion in 2023. The country has seen significant growth in its diamond sector, thanks to improved extraction technologies and increasing global demand. In 2023, Angola produced approximately 9.8 million carats of diamonds. This marked a 24% increase from the previous year.

Namibia

Namibia employs innovative techniques, including marine diamond mining, contributing to a production value of $1.23 billion in 2023. This approach has positioned Namibia as a key player in the diamond industry. In 2022, Namibia's diamond production amounted to 2.1 million carats, marking a 16.67% increase from 2021.

South Africa

South Africa, with its rich history of diamond mining, remains a major contributor with a production value of approximately $794 million in 2023. South Africa covers 13% of the global diamond production as it produced approximately 5.9 million carats of diamonds in 2023. 5.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's diamond fields, despite being contentious, produced diamonds worth more than $423 million in 2023. The country's diamond production is primarily centred in the Marange diamond fields, located in the Chiadzwa area of the Mutare District. These fields are known for their extensive small-scale diamond production and are considered one of the world's richest diamond deposits. In 2022, Zimbabwe produced approximately 4.5 million carats of diamonds.

Lesotho

Lesotho may produce fewer diamonds, but their exceptional quality adds significant market value, estimated at $138 million in 2023. The country's diamonds are highly sought after for their clarity and size. In 2022, Lesotho's diamond production amounted to approximately 700,000 carats, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The diamond mining industry is a vital part of Lesotho's economy, contributing significantly to local employment and government revenue.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has transformed its diamond industry, moving away from its troubled past to sustainably produce diamonds valued at over $102 million in 2023. One of the most famous diamonds from Sierra Leone is the 709-carat "Peace Diamond," discovered in 2017. This diamond brought significant attention to the country's diamond sector and highlighted the potential for ethical and transparent mining practices.