The Rapaport Group has embarked on its latest trade mission to Sierra Leone, one of the world’s leading diamond producers.
Chairman Martin Rapaport is leading a delegation of diamond dealers and jewellers on a tour of the West African country, with participants from countries including the US, UK, Italy, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore.
The trade mission, which begins on Sunday evening, will provide an opportunity to meet artisanal miners and learn about the serious challenges they face. It will also highlight opportunities for sustainable economic development that can transform millions of lives.
“Our trade mission will focus on sustainability, fair trade and how selling and wearing diamonds can make the world a better place,” said Rapaport. “It reflects the growing interest in these issues among both diamond traders and consumers.”
Travelling in jeeps and braving harsh conditions, the delegation will get a first-hand look at the hidden heart of the diamond industry: the mines and the miners.
“There’s a reason God gave diamonds to the poorest people in the world and made the richest people want them,” said Rapaport. “This trip will be a real eye-opener.”
The itinerary for Rapaport’s five-day trade mission to Sierra Leone includes
Visiting an active diamond mine in Koidu and talking to miners.
Koryardu, the Peace Diamond Village: Seeing how proceeds from the 2017 sale of the 709-carat Peace Diamond are being used to develop local education, health and welfare infrastructure in one of the world’s poorest towns.
A town hall meeting with local officials and residents of Koryardu to assess the project’s progress and learn how to expand its impact.
Freetown and environs: Visit De Beers’ GemFair artisanal miners programme, the National Museum, the Sierra Leone Business Development Conference, the Empower Africa Business Centre and an abandoned diamond mine that’s being reclaimed for agriculture.
