The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE will host the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Council of Ministers meeting this week, as the country takes its place as the incoming chair of the continental diamond organisation.
The 8th Ordinary meeting of the ADPA is slated for Friday in Victoria Falls.
In a concept note for the ADPA, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said chairing the meeting is strategic in the lobby for the removal of sanctions imposed on key institutions in the diamond sector.
“As the incoming ADPA chair, the Republic of Zimbabwe is tasked with hosting the 8th Ordinary meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers, which is slated for April 8, 2022 in Victoria Falls,” the ministry said.
“As the ADPA chair, the Republic of Zimbabwe is expected to carry out the following mandate, among others: Ensuring that African diamond producers present a united voice on the international diamond scene on matters which affect them; promotion of cooperation and information sharing amongst ADPA member countries; formulate strategies to improve the African diamond industry; conduct working visits on member states to reinforce association; engage African countries who are not members of ADPA.”
At the 7th Council of Ministers meeting held virtually last year, Zimbabwe was nominated to be the incoming chair for 2022 to succeed Tanzania, which held the position last year.
Zimbabwe is a founding member of the ADPA, an association formed to improve cooperation between African member countries in policies and strategies concerning prospecting, mining, production, cutting and polishing, as well as development of human resources and acquisition of technologies in the diamond sector.
Zimbabwe has vast diamond resources in the Chiadzwa area in Manicaland and other parts of the country where exploration is underway.
