By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Diamonds continue to play a major role in African economies — funding public services, creating jobs and shaping trade flows.
According to the latest data from the Kimberley Process and national trade dashboards, here are the five African countries exporting the most diamonds by value — how much they export and who controls the mines:
1. Botswana
Botswana remains the continent’s top diamond earner by value. According to Kimberley Process 2023 data, Botswana’s exports accounted for about 8 % of global rough-diamond value — roughly US$2.9 billion.
The industry is dominated by the joint venture Debswana (a 50/50 partnership between the government and De Beers). Over the past decades, diamond revenue helped fund hospitals, roads and public services.
More recently, in 2024, Botswana’s diamond sales dropped sharply, leading to policy and sales-strategy changes in the industry.
2. Angola –
Angola posted one of Africa’s largest diamond-export totals in 2023, officially listed at roughly US$5 billion.
The bulk of production comes from the provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul, and the major mine is Catoca Mine. Trade and state operations are handled by the state-trading entity SODIAM.
The diamond industry supports local towns in Angola — mine payrolls linked to small-trader incomes, food sellers and other communities.
But the flip side includes rising stockpiles, weakening global demand and poor working conditions for formal and artisanal miners.
3. South Africa
South Africa remains a major diamond exporter, with national trade records showing diamond exports around US$1.58 billion in 2024.
What stands out: South Africa exports both rough stones and higher-value polished gems, giving it more downstream processing than many other African producers.
Regions like Kimberley support processing jobs and jewellery small-businesses. But the sector faces headwinds: rising costs, fluctuating global demand, fewer new hires, more contract work and less long-term stability.
4. Namibia
Namibia’s diamond exports are just under US$1 billion for 2023. Much of the output comes via the joint venture Namdeb (between the Namibian government and De Beers).
Namibia’s diamonds arrive from unique environments — offshore finds and coastal deposits. The government has used the revenues to fund infrastructure and social programmes, but the sector now faces challenges: ageing deposits and weaker global markets. By 2025, officials were reportedly discussing royalty relief to preserve operations and jobs.
For coastal towns, a quiet diamond season means fewer casual jobs and less local spending.
5. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s diamond-export figures swing dramatically year to year, but in 2023 the country produced exports of about US$489 million and ranked among Africa’s notable diamond-exporters.
The Marange diamond‑fields brought a rapid boom — transforming local economies with cash flows and jobs.
But that boom also raised serious issues: opaque revenue flows, land disputes, and questions about how much value actually reaches communities. Trade data for 2024–2025 continues to show high volatility.