Angola’s diamond sector delivered a strong production performance in 2025, with output rising 8% year-on-year to 15.19 million carats comfortably exceeding the government’s target of 14.8 million carats. The growth underscores Angola’s continued push to expand its position in the global diamond market.

A defining feature of the year was the overwhelming dominance of the United Arab Emirates as a destination for Angolan diamonds. The UAE accounted for 78.6% of total exports, reinforcing its role as a global trading hub for rough stones. Belgium followed as the second-largest market, taking 19.9%, with Antwerp maintaining its historical importance in diamond distribution.

Total exports surpassed 17 million carats, generating approximately $1.6 billion in gross value. According to Angola’s Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Janio Correa Victor, the volume of diamonds marketed surged by around 70% compared to 2024, while overall value rose by a more modest 6.7%. This disparity highlights the ongoing pressure on diamond prices despite increased supply.

While Angola remains sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer after Nigeria, its diamond industry has steadily expanded since the end of the Angolan Civil War in 2002. However, the sector is now navigating a more complex global landscape, marked by softening natural diamond prices and increasing competition from lab-grown alternatives.

Despite these headwinds, Angola continues to position itself as a resilient and increasingly credible supplier in the global diamond pipeline.

Strategically, Angola is also seeking to deepen its influence within the industry. The government is pursuing a 20%–30% stake in De Beers, the diamond unit of Anglo American, which is currently under consideration for sale. Such a move would signal a significant shift towards greater upstream and downstream control, aligning with a broader trend among resource-rich nations aiming to capture more value from their natural assets.