Top diamond-producing nations unveiled: Africa’s leading role in the global market

By Mark-Anthony Johnson

The world’s leading diamond mining countries have been revealed, highlighting the top producers in terms of carats and value, with a special focus on Africa’s top 10 nations. In 2023, only 22 countries globally engaged in the extraction of rough diamonds from their deposits, with eight African countries securing prominent positions within the global top ten.

Botswana achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, with its diamond production from mines reaching a value of US$3.28 billion, establishing the country as a major player in the industry. Meanwhile, Russia emerged as a formidable competitor, with a diamond mine production value totaling US$3.6 billion, securing its place as one of the world’s top diamond-producing nations.

Africa, unsurprisingly, is the largest rough diamond-producing region, accounting for 51 percent of output by weight and 66 percent by value.

However, diamond mining in Africa is a relatively recent phenomenon, dating back less than 200 years. Diamonds were discovered and valued as far back as 2,000 years ago in India, eventually spreading west to Egyptian pharaohs and the Roman Empire.

Large-scale diamond production began at the start of the 20th century, first in South Africa and later in other African countries. Between 1889 and 1959, Africa produced 98 percent of the world’s diamonds.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the term “blood diamond” emerged, referring to diamonds mined in African conflict zones and used to finance insurgency or crime.

Below are the top 10 African countries with the highest diamond production values:

1. Botswana
2. Angola
3. Namibia
4. South Africa
5. Zimbabwe
6. Lesotho
7. Sierra Leone
8. DR Congo
9. Tanzania
10. Liberia

Africa must accelerate its economic development by leveraging its mineral resources.

Mark-Anthony Johnson is CEO at JIC Holdings