Mumbai, India, 11th May, 2026 — Sierra Leone has taken center stage at the Kimberley Process Intercessional Meetings 2026, with the country leading Africa’s diamond producers in crucial discussions on the future of the global diamond industry.
In its capacity as Chair of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), Sierra Leone chaired the ADPA pre‑meeting on Sunday, May 10, bringing together member states to deliberate on mining, trading, and retailing challenges.
The following day, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, the country’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, delivered a statement at the plenary on behalf of ADPA, urging the international community and the Kimberley Process (KP) family to strengthen collaboration in sustaining the diamond industry.
He highlighted the growing threat posed by the rise of lab‑grown diamonds, warning that the trend could undermine livelihoods dependent on natural diamond production.
Sierra Leone pledged ADPA’s full support to India’s KP chairmanship and endorsed this year’s theme of Confidence, Credibility, and Compliance, stressing that natural diamonds remain a vital source of income for millions worldwide.
The meetings continue through Thursday with working group sessions and the signing of a communiqué that will chart the future of the Kimberley Process and reinforce sustainability in the natural diamond sector.
