DMCC has announced its intention to join the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) in 2026, aligning the world’s largest diamond trading hub with the industry body responsible for global category marketing of natural diamonds.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of Mining Indaba in Cape Town during the second high-level meeting of the Luanda Accord. Signed in Angola in June 2025, the Luanda Accord commits producer governments and industry participants to renewed, collective investment in the promotion of natural diamonds. The framework brings together key stakeholders including DMCC, De Beers Group and producer governments, and is led by the Natural Diamond Council.
Reflecting strong government engagement, the meeting was overseen by ministers from leading African diamond-producing countries, including H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola; H.E. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana; H.E. Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy of Namibia; and H.E. Julius Daniel Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of Sierra Leone.
DMCC’s move comes at a time of structural pressure for the global diamond industry, as shifting consumer preferences, increased competition and heightened scrutiny around provenance and responsible sourcing reshape demand. Founded and funded by leading diamond producers and industry stakeholders, the NDC aims to rebuild consumer confidence through coordinated global marketing and education initiatives, particularly in key consumer markets.
By declaring its intent to join the council, DMCC said it will support collective efforts to strengthen consumer demand for natural diamonds, in line with the principles of the Luanda Accord. The move forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to reinforce its influence across the global diamond ecosystem as the sector seeks to stabilise trade flows and return to sustainable growth.
The Cape Town meeting also marked the formal accession of the Government of Namibia to the Luanda Accord, while India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a pathway to join the NDC by May 2026. Alongside DMCC’s announcement, these developments signal growing momentum behind coordinated global marketing for natural diamonds. Membership of the NDC remains subject to agreement on financial contributions and the completion of internal legal and regulatory processes.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said: “Our decision to join the Natural Diamond Council reflects both the scale of Dubai’s role in the global diamond trade and our responsibility to support the long-term integrity and demand of the natural diamond category. As the world’s leading diamond trade hub and home to more than 1,300 diamond companies, this step underscores our commitment to strengthening consumer confidence and safeguarding the future of the sector.
“At a time of structural change across the industry, collective action grounded in transparency, responsible sourcing and sustained consumer trust is essential. DMCC will continue to work closely with industry and producer governments, contributing our convening power and market insight to initiatives that support the resilience and long-term growth of the global diamond sector.”
Amber Pepper, Chief Executive Officer of the Natural Diamond Council, said: “Collective action is essential to protect the integrity and desirability of natural diamonds. I welcome the opportunity to work with DMCC to ensure that efforts to support the natural diamond sector are aligned and amplified globally.”
DMCC is home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange and a community of more than 1,300 diamond and precious stones companies. Over the past two decades, it has played a central role in shaping global diamond trade flows while contributing to international policy discussions on governance, traceability and compliance through its longstanding engagement with the Kimberley Process, which it has chaired on three occasions.
The Luanda Accord signatories and the Natural Diamond Council have called on stakeholders across the value chain, from miners and traders to manufacturers and retailers, to support the initiative, stressing that sustained investment in consumer demand will be critical to the long-term resilience of the natural diamond sector.
DMCC to join Natural Diamond Council in 2026
