The world diamond industry breeds a network of secrecy and sophisticated levels of corruption. This has created an environment in which a significant proportion of African diamonds are allowed to circulate in ways that make it difficult, if not impossible, to determine where they originate. As a result, African diamonds act as a form of currency used to back international loans, pay debts, pay bribes, and buy arms. This phenomenon often leads to the unfair mislabeling of African diamonds by the world's most established diamond organizations and cartels. These problems are compounded by the fact that bloody wars are being fueled throughout Africa by many non-African countries with the intent of distracting African countries, while their valuable natural resources are quietly being extracted to build wealth in more developed nations outside of Africa.

Since January 2000, extensive discussions have taken place, which resulted in the formation of the ADC. The success of these discussions is in large part due to the strong bonds that have been created among the diamond producing countries in Africa. With the support of these countries, the ADC has also forged strong alliances with all likeminded organizations that, in their various areas of expertise, work towards and support the same goals. We are extremely proud of these affiliations and relentlessly encourage the continued support of these organizations, as well as the entire diamond industry. The ADC provides guidance and assistance in empowering Africans in their quest to establish good governance and stronger economies.