By Shannon A.L. Scott
His Excellency President Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio last Thursday 10th April, 2025 commissioned the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
In his keynote speech, President Bio warmly received the ADPA delegation and expressed his profound gratitude to the Association Secretariat for selecting Sierra Leone to host this all-important continental engagement.

President Bio described the occasion as a beautiful opportunity to reflect Sierra Leone's commitment to good governance, transparency, and responsible mining practice. He underscored Africa's historic and cultural relationship with diamond production, noting that diamonds across the continent represent not just wealth, but opportunity, heritage, and hope for African communities.

“We stand at a crucial juncture in the history of diamond production on our continent, one where the decisions made today will echo like the radiance of a well-cut diamond for generations to come,” President Bio said.
He urged ADPA’s policymakers to enhance collaboration among member states, harmonize legislation, and improve technical assistance to work together to change Africa's diamond sector from one that has a past of conflict linkage to one that is a beacon of sustainable development and prosperity.

President Bio emphasized the importance of strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability across the diamond sector to boost international trust and credibility. The ADPA meeting and Sierra Leone Mining Week were described by President Bio as a momentous event, hosting Sierra Leone's mineral potential as well as adherence to international standards of mining.

Sierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Minerals Resources, Mr. Julius Mattai, who officially took charge of the Chairmanship of ADPA, expressed his deepest appreciation to President Bio for his commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leoneans enjoy the natural resources of their nation.

He underscored the government's ongoing efforts to enhance policies guiding mining activities, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable development.

Minister Mattai also reflected on Sierra Leone's troubled history with diamonds as symbols of war and prosperity but noted that the country has refused to let its heritage be defined by its past.

The Director General of National Minerals Agency (NMA), Ing. Alhaji Dabo, received dignified visitors from member countries and officials from various mining companies and investment institutions.

He said these breakthroughs represent a watershed moment for the country and diamond rich nations across the globe uniting in dialogue, collaboration and shared purposes for sustainable extractive industry development.

Outgoing ADPA Chairman and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Winston Chitando, also expressed appreciation to President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of the event. He noted that the gathering reflects the continent’s collective commitment to positioning Africa at the forefront of global diamond production and trade, and urged member countries to continue working together to promote the interests of the continent.