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The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) today convened its 12th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in a virtual meeting chaired by Hon. Julius D. Mattai, Chairman of ADPA.
The meeting brought together member representatives to review annual reports, strategic plans, and key initiatives aimed at advancing the Association’s objectives.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Mattai highlighted the significance of Africa’s diamond resources as instruments for peace, dignity, and shared prosperity. He welcomed new Ministers joining the ADPA family, including Hon. Matenokay Tingban, Minister of Mines & Energy of Liberia, and Hon. Frans Kapofi, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, who was represented virtually. Botswana also attended as a guest of the Chairman.
“Today is not a day for discouragement, but a moment for renewed resolve,” Hon. Mattai said. “The work done by the Executive Directorate, the Council of Ministers, and the Committee of Experts over the past year has demonstrated that ADPA is steadily maturing into the strategic, technically grounded, and financially disciplined institution our founders envisaged.”
He commended the Committee of Experts for their deliberations on critical issues including the 2026 Annual Performance Plan, digital transformation, capacity building for member states, budget realism, and ADPA’s engagement with the Kimberley Process. Hon. Mattai emphasized that these recommendations provide a strong foundation for the Council’s decisions and for repositioning ADPA as a credible continental force in the diamond industry.
The Chairman also addressed the challenges facing the global diamond sector, citing shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, synthetic competition, market consolidation, and geopolitical tensions. He encouraged ministers to consider three guiding questions when deliberating on agenda items: whether they strengthen the integrity of African diamonds, promote financial sustainability and operational excellence for ADPA, and deliver tangible benefits to communities in producing countries.
Today’s session reaffirmed ADPA’s commitment to enhancing collaboration among member states, promoting responsible diamond governance, and consolidating Africa’s collective voice within the global diamond market.
