Angola has solidified its position as a major player in the global diamond industry, ranking third in diamond production in 2025. The country produced 15.2 million carats of natural rough diamonds, according to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme's 2025 Global Annual Report. This achievement is significant, as Angola surpassed Canada, which produced 14.1 million carats, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 8.9 million carats.
The ranking, published by Outlook Business, places Angola behind Russia, which led global production with 31.5 million carats, and Botswana, which ranked second with 15.5 million carats. This performance highlights the importance of Angola's mining sector in the national economy, particularly in efforts to diversify revenue sources and reduce dependence on the oil sector. The growth in diamond production is linked to investments in new mining projects and increased transparency in the value chain.
The Angolan government's efforts to attract foreign investment in the sector have also contributed to the growth in diamond production. With 15.2 million carats produced in 2025, Angola reaffirms its potential in the global mining landscape and the importance of diamonds as a strategic resource for economic development. The country's diamond industry is a significant contributor to its economy, and the government is keen to maximize its benefits.
In addition to its diamond production, Angola is also home to over 20 million people living in poverty. The government is working to address this issue, and the diamond industry is seen as a key sector in driving economic growth and development. The country's mining sector has the potential to play a significant role in reducing poverty and improving living standards.
The Angolan government has expressed interest in acquiring a stake in the diamond mining company De Beers. In September 2025, the government, through the state-owned Empresa Nacional de Diamantes de Angola (Endiama), submitted a fully funded offer to acquire shares as part of Anglo American's global divestment process. Anglo American is the majority shareholder of De Beers, with an 85% stake.
The Angolan government's proposal aims to create a pan-African consortium with other diamond-producing countries, such as Botswana, to acquire a strategic minority stake in De Beers. According to Jânio Corrêa Victor, Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, the goal is for African countries to control a significant portion of the company to ensure that diamond production benefits the continent.
The acquisition of a stake in De Beers would not only provide economic benefits but also give Angola and other African countries greater control over the global diamond market. The government is confident that its proposal will be successful, and the acquisition would mark a significant step forward in Angola's efforts to maximize the benefits of its diamond industry.
Key points
- Angola produced 15.2 million carats of diamonds in 2025, ranking third globally.
- The country aims to become the world's largest producer of diamonds.
- Angola's government is seeking to acquire a stake in De Beers as part of a broader strategy to increase African control over the global diamond market.
