AYV News, May 12, 2026
Sierra Leone is taking a leading role at the 2026 Kimberley Process Intercessional Meetings in Mumbai, where the country is representing African diamond-producing nations in its capacity as Chair of the African Diamond Producers Association.
Leading Sierra Leone’s delegation to the high-level international gathering is the country’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma.
In Sierra Leone’s role as Chair of ADPA, the Deputy Minister first chaired the pre-Kimberley Process meeting for all ADPA member states on Sunday, 10th May 2026. The engagement focused on strengthening Africa’s collective position on the future of the diamond industry, particularly in the areas of mining, trading, and retailing.
On Monday, 11th May, Umaru Napoleon Koromadelivered a statement during the plenary session on behalf of ADPA, calling for stronger global cooperation to sustain the natural diamond industry amid growing competition from lab-grown diamonds.
“I called on the world and the KP family to continue our collaboration as we seek to sustain the diamond industry and realise its benefits for our respective nations despite the current challenges posed by the introduction of lab-grown diamonds in the diamond markets,” he stated.
He further reaffirmed ADPA’s commitment to supporting India’s Kimberley Process chairmanship and endorsed the 2026 intercessional theme: “Confidence, Credibility, and Compliance.”
“I pledged ADPA’s commitment to supporting the KP chairmanship of India and fully supported this year’s intercessional theme of Confidence, Credibility, and Compliance within the diamond industry as we seek to sustain the production of natural diamonds, which has been a source of livelihood for millions around the world,” he added.
The ongoing meetings are expected to continue through Thursday, featuring a series of working group discussions on policy, trade, compliance mechanisms, and the future direction of the Kimberley Process. Delegates are also expected to sign a communiqué outlining commitments toward sustaining the global natural diamond industry amid evolving market realities.
The Kimberley Process remains a key international certification initiative established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate global diamond trade while promoting transparency and responsible sourcing practices worldwide.
