The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a strategic agreement with Swiss company ADEX Platform to modernize and formalize its diamond and colored gemstone industry.

The deal was signed between the Mining Fund for Future Generations (FOMIN) and ADEX Platform, under the supervision of Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba. It creates a new 50-50 joint venture called ADEX RDC S.A.

The partnership aims to help the DRC move beyond exporting mostly rough diamonds by building local capacity for cutting, polishing, jewellery manufacturing and direct access to international markets.

Under the agreement, ADEX RDC S.A. will work on establishing an international-standard diamond cutting and jewellery workshop inside the country. It will also develop a digital platform allowing Congolese diamonds and gemstones to reach global buyers more directly.

The project is also expected to strengthen traceability, transparency and formalization in a sector where artisanal mining remains dominant and smuggling has long reduced official revenues.

Minister Kabamba said the agreement opens “a new chapter” for responsible diamond and colored gemstone trade in the DRC. He said Congolese diamonds should no longer be associated with smuggling and undervaluation, but with transparency, industrial modernization and shared prosperity.

The DRC is one of Africa’s leading diamond producers, but much of the value from its stones has historically been captured outside the country because of limited domestic processing capacity.

If properly implemented, the deal could create skilled jobs, improve state revenues, support local manufacturing and help position the DRC as a more competitive and responsible supplier in the global gemstone market.

The agreement fits into Kinshasa’s broader strategy of turning the country’s mineral wealth into local industrial growth, employment and long-term economic benefits.