The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa's second-largest diamond producer, is taking another step toward capturing more value from its vast mineral wealth by shifting from simply exporting rough diamonds to processing and selling them locally.

The Congolese government has signed a strategic agreement with Switzerland-based diamond and gemstone technology company ADEX Platform to establish a domestic diamond processing and marketing ecosystem, a move aimed at reducing illicit trade, increasing transparency, and creating more value within the country.

The agreement was signed by the state-owned Mining Fund for Future Generations (FOMIN) and ADEX Platform. Under the deal, the two partners will establish a joint venture known as ADEX RDC S.A., with each party holding a 50% stake, according to Reuters.

Rather than exporting rough stones for processing abroad, the new venture plans to establish an international-standard diamond cutting and jewellery manufacturing facility within the DRC. It will also develop a digital marketplace designed to connect Congolese diamonds directly with global buyers, reducing the number of intermediaries in the supply chain.

The initiative forms part of the Congolese government's broader effort to reform its mining sector and ensure the country benefits more from its abundant natural resources. Although the DRC is globally recognised as the world's leading producer of cobalt and one of Africa's largest sources of diamonds, much of the economic value generated from its minerals has historically been captured outside its borders through overseas processing and informal trading networks.

The country's diamond sector has faced mounting challenges over the past decade. Official figures show diamond production fell from approximately 13 million carats in 2021 to 8.1 million carats in 2025, reflecting declining output and persistent smuggling that continues to deprive the government of much-needed revenue.

Artisanal miners account for around 85% of the country's diamond production, making the sector particularly vulnerable to informal exports and weak traceability. Industrial production remains relatively limited and is dominated by SACIM, a Chinese-backed mining joint venture that produced just over one million carats last year.

The latest agreement aligns with Kinshasa's wider ambition to move beyond being merely a supplier of raw materials. In recent years, the government has introduced policies encouraging local mineral processing, particularly in the cobalt, copper and battery minerals sectors, as it seeks to build downstream industries capable of generating jobs, technology transfer and higher export earnings.

If successfully implemented, the ADEX RDC venture could help reposition the DRC's diamond industry from a major exporter of rough gemstones to a competitive player in the global polished diamond and jewellery market, allowing more of the industry's value to remain within the country rather than flowing overseas.