• Angola targets diamond production of 17 million carats by 2027 despite weak prices and rising competition from synthetic diamonds.

• Diamond sales revenue fell 14% in the first half of 2025 even as export volumes rose 109% year on year.

• Angola diverges from rivals such as De Beers, which cut output amid fragile market conditions.

After two years of record performance, Angola plans to further accelerate natural diamond production. The country set a target of 17 million carats by 2027. Authorities revealed this ambition on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba conference, which runs from February 9 to February 12 in Cape Town. The announcement comes as the natural diamond market shows persistent fragility under growing competition from lab-grown stones.

Reuters reported that officials formalised the target in an official brochure distributed at the event. A spokesperson for state-owned mining company Endiama said the company aims “to go even further, by increasing production from 14 million to 17 million carats by 2027”.

Production growth has relied mainly on the Catoca and Luele mines. Angola produced 14 million carats in 2024. Production then rose to 15.2 million carats in 2025.

Angola aims to maintain its position among the world’s top three producers of rough diamonds by volume, alongside Russia and Botswana. However, the strategy raises questions as the global natural diamond market struggles to recover.

During the first six months of 2025, the value of Angola’s diamond sales fell 14%. Export volumes, however, jumped 109% year on year over the same period. This divergence highlights continued price weakness despite higher output.

Endiama highlighted diamond quality as a key differentiating factor. The company said high-quality stones could support Angola’s position despite rising competition from synthetic diamonds.

Botswana, which also benefits from high-quality gems from mines such as Karowe, has adopted a more cautious stance. Operational adjustments by producers such as De Beers reduced national output by 3.2% during the first nine months of 2025, bringing production to 13.3 million carats.

Major producers such as De Beers, which sources diamonds from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, have revised production targets downward. Angola has instead chosen to expand output.

This strategic divergence reflects contrasting assessments of a natural diamond market that remains under pressure from structural shifts and subdued demand. 

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM