Qatar Diamond Exchange Eyes African Producers
The Doha-based exchange is positioning itself as a link between diamond-producing nations and international markets.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Jewelry
The Qatar Diamond Exchange is developing an integrated ecosystem to connect diamond-producing countries with manufacturers, customers and global markets. Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane visited its headquarters in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, accompanied by several African ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Qatar.
Why it matters
Africa holds some of the world's largest diamond reserves, and the exchange's outreach signals an effort to strengthen trade ties between Gulf and African diamond markets. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's ambassador welcomed prospects for cooperation with the exchange.
The visit included several African ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Qatar, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ambassador, Valerie Lusamba Kabeya, among those welcoming cooperation prospects. No specific product specifications, pricing or retail availability were reported, and the exchange's proposed trading mechanisms remain undescribed.
The players
Samuel Matekane
Samuel Matekane is the Prime Minister of Lesotho, a southern African kingdom with notable diamond mining operations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani is a member of Qatar's royal family who chairs the Qatar Diamond Exchange.
The details
Qatar Diamond Exchange Chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani is leading efforts to position the exchange as a gateway between producing countries and international markets. The exchange's headquarters in Ras Bufontas Free Zone hosted Lesotho's prime minister during the visit.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Report published on the exchange's outreach to African diamond producers.
Market Landscape
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, in force since 2003, set the international rules governing rough diamond trade that producing nations and trading hubs still operate within. The Qatar Diamond Exchange's effort to build an integrated trading ecosystem marks a new attempt by a Gulf hub to position itself as an intermediary alongside established centers in Antwerp, Dubai and Mumbai.
Shoppers buying diamond jewelry may see the sourcing and trading links between producing countries and markets shift as new exchanges emerge. Any resulting changes to diamond prices or certification practices would reach buyers only once specific agreements are announced.
The takeaway
Diamond buyers worldwide may eventually see new trading hubs reshape how stones move from mines to markets. Watch for announced agreements and certification details from the Qatar Diamond Exchange before drawing conclusions about pricing or provenance.
Further reading
Explore more on the global diamond trade in our Jewelry section.
