The Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), together with government representatives from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and members of the Chinese and international diamond industry, has signed the Beijing Declaration on Natural Diamonds and Sustainable Development, establishing a framework for deeper cooperation between African diamond-producing countries and China’s natural diamond market.
The declaration was signed in Beijing on 15 September 2026 following discussions on global diamond industry developments, China’s consumer and retail market, the socioeconomic contribution of diamonds to producing countries and future areas of industry cooperation.
The agreement links the natural diamond industry’s contribution in producing countries with Chinese consumers, with a particular focus on authenticity, provenance, cultural meaning and enduring value. It sets out a shared vision for sustainable development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Under the declaration, participants will explore measures to strengthen local value creation in African producing countries, expand skills training and economic diversification, and improve communication with consumers about the origin and socioeconomic impact of natural diamonds. The framework also calls for stronger market links between African producers and Chinese consumers and greater cooperation through existing China-Africa mechanisms.
The signing brought together senior representatives from the SDE, the governments of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, as well as the global natural diamond industry. De Beers Group CEO Al Cook, Natural Diamond Council CEO Amber Pepper and World Diamond Council representative Emma Wade-Smith witnessed the signing. Major Chinese jewellery retailers including Chow Tai Fook, Lao Feng Xiang, Chow Sang Sang, Lukfook Jewellery, CHJ Jewelry, Chow Tai Seng, Sino Gem and Kimberlite were also represented.
For the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, the declaration reinforces its role as a link between the international natural diamond supply chain and the Chinese market. The SDE, a State Council-approved national diamond trading platform, provides customs, tax and certification services and is a permanent member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses’ Executive Committee.
“Natural diamonds deliver profound socioeconomic benefits to these nations,” said Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, adding that the declaration would provide a foundation for closer connections and expanded partnerships between China and African diamond-producing countries.
Al Cook said the declaration provides a framework to strengthen links between African diamond-producing countries and Chinese consumers, while supporting jobs, livelihoods and environmental protection.
The participating governments and industry representatives are expected to continue working on initiatives arising from the declaration, including industry market-data exchange, consumer education on natural diamonds and their origins, cross-border sharing of industry practices and further China-Africa cooperation on sustainable development.