The natural diamond industries of China and Africa are set to deepen collaboration following the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Natural Diamonds and Sustainable Development.
Signed in Beijing on 15 September 2026, the declaration brings together the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), representatives of the governments of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and members of the Chinese and international diamond trade.
The agreement follows discussions around the changing global diamond industry, China’s consumer and retail landscape, and the economic and social contribution of diamonds in producing countries. It establishes a framework for cooperation between African producers and China’s natural diamond market, with provenance, authenticity, cultural significance and long-term value among its key areas of focus.
Sustainable development is central to the declaration, with the participating parties aligning their shared objectives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The framework identifies several areas for future cooperation. These include supporting greater value creation within producing countries, developing skills and training, encouraging economic diversification and strengthening consumer awareness around diamond provenance and the socioeconomic contribution of the industry.
It also seeks to build stronger commercial and consumer connections between African diamond-producing nations and China, including through established China-Africa cooperation platforms.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the SDE, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, alongside participants from the wider natural diamond industry. De Beers Group CEO Al Cook, Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper and World Diamond Council representative Emma Wade-Smith were among those who witnessed the signing.
Leading Chinese jewellery retailers, including Chow Tai Fook, Lao Feng Xiang, Chow Sang Sang, Lukfook Jewellery, CHJ Jewelry, Chow Tai Seng, Sino Gem and Kimberlite, were also represented at the event.
The declaration further strengthens the SDE’s position as a connecting point between the international natural diamond supply chain and China’s jewellery market. Approved by China’s State Council, the exchange operates as a national diamond trading platform, offering services related to customs, taxation and certification, and serves as a permanent member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.
Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, highlighted the economic and social contribution of natural diamonds to producing countries, saying the agreement could support closer commercial relationships between China and Africa.
Al Cook similarly described the declaration as a framework for strengthening the relationship between African producers and Chinese consumers, while supporting employment, livelihoods and environmental initiatives.
The participating organisations and governments are expected to develop further initiatives under the framework. Potential areas include sharing market data, consumer education around natural diamonds and provenance, exchanging industry practices across borders and expanding China-Africa cooperation on sustainable development.
