Diamonds Help the People of Africa

Posted in Dreams of Africa by Admin on January 16th, 2007

“ The diamond industry is vital to the Southern
African economy.” — Nelson Mandela

Diamonds and their revenues play a key role in helping to develop Africa. They have made—and continue to make—significant contributions towards development and prosperity in a number of countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world. As a natural resource, rough diamonds represent one of the main sources of revenue for many African diamond-producing countries and create livelihoods for millions of people. The revenues generated not only increase the overall standard of living, but also fund essential government services such as health, education and development programs. 

FACT: 65% of the world’s diamonds come from African countries.

FACT: The $8.4 billion African diamond industry is one of the fundamental pillars of the African economy.

FACT: Approximately 5 million people have access to health care due to diamond revenues.

FACT: An estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry.

FACT: Revenues from the diamond industry help provide necessary counseling, testing, education, treatment programs, clinics and hospices for HIV/AIDS patients.

FACT: The charity Jewelers for Children funds a community-based care program for orphaned children in South Africa.

“For our people, every diamond purchase represents food on the table; better living conditions; better health care; safe drinking water; more roads to connect our remote communities and much more.”
- President Mogae of Botswana

For more information and a list of sources,
visit www.diamondfacts.org.