Belgium’s King Yet to Address Namibia’s Concerns Over G7 Diamond Ban

King Philippe of Belgium has yet to respond to President Nangolo Mbumba’s concerns about the G7’s ban on importing non-industrial diamonds from Russia. Mbumba highlighted the adverse effects this ban would have on Namibia’s diamond trade, as well as its impact on other African diamond-producing nations like Botswana and Angola. The ban could increase costs and hinder trade, posing a significant threat to these countries’ economies. Namibia, a major diamond miner in southern Africa, saw a 9% increase in rough diamond production last year, reaching 2.3 million carats compared to the previous year’s 2.1 million carats.