• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Switzerland's ADEX Platform AG signed an agreement to develop a digital platform that will trace and market Congolese diamonds.
• The platform will connect local producers directly with international buyers, improve supply chain transparency and help curb informal trade.
• The partnership also includes a joint venture, a world-class diamond cutting and jewelry facility, technology transfer and skills development to expand local value addition.

The Mining Fund for Future Generations  (FOMIN) and Swiss company ADEX Platform AG signed an agreement on June 29, to develop a digital platform for diamond traceability and trading in the DRC. The platform will connect Congolese producers directly with international buyers while improving transaction transparency.

The platform will track diamonds throughout the supply chain, from production to commercialization. It will use digital tools to strengthen stone traceability, secure and verify commercial data, and facilitate transactions between Congolese producers and international buyers. The government expects the infrastructure to reduce the informal trading channels that continue to undermine the sector while enhancing the credibility of Congolese diamonds in international markets through greater transparency.

The project comes as the DRC seeks to generate more value from its mining resources through digital technologies. Although the country ranks among the world's leading diamond producers, it still exports much of its output as rough diamonds, while artisanal mining continues to dominate production. In addition, traceability challenges and smuggling continue to limit the sector's economic contribution.

According to data from the Technical Unit for Mining Coordination and Planning (CTCPM), the DRC produced 8.1 million carats of diamonds in 2025, down from 13 million carats in 2021. Artisanal mining still accounted for about 85% of total production, making the sector particularly vulnerable to informal trade. The government believes digital tools will improve supply chain oversight, strengthen diamond certification and increase the industry's competitiveness.

The agreement also provides for the creation of ADEX RDC S.A., a joint venture that will deploy the digital solutions. The partnership also includes the establishment of an international-standard diamond cutting and jewelry facility, a technology transfer program and capacity-building initiatives for Congolese professionals. The government aims to develop a more integrated diamond value chain, increase local processing and support the mining sector's digital transformation.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum