APRIL 10, 2025 KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. JULIUS MAADA BIO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 10TH ORDINARY MEETING OF THE AFRICAN DIAMOND PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION (ADPA) COUNCIL OF MINISTERS AND COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS AND THE OPENING OF THE SIERRA LEONE MINING WEEK AND EXHIBITION FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE. I am honoured to address the leaders and policymakers in Africa’s mining industry at this 10th Ordinary Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers and Committee of Experts during the Sierra Leone Mining Week and Exhibition 2025. 2. We stand at a crucial juncture in the history of diamond production on our Continent — one where the decisions made today will echo like the brilliance of a well-cut diamond for generations to come. 3. I extend a warm welcome to all, especially toour distinguished guests who have travelled from afar to visit our beautiful Sierra Leone. 4. As you admire our breathtaking natural landscapes I also look forward to you experiencing the genuine warmth of our hospitality. 5. DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES, I begin by commending the outgoing Chairman of the ADPA Council of Ministers, Honourable Winston Chitando — who also serves as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development. 6. I also acknowledge the ADPA Vice Chair and Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of Sierra Leone, Honourable Julius Mattai, who is taking up the leadership of this esteemed organisation. 7. My sincere thanks go to the ADPA Secretariat for organising this important meeting in our beloved nation. DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, 8. Africa’s diamond industry is steeped in a storied history, intertwined with our diverse cultures, vibrant economies, and soaring aspirations. 9. With some of the richest deposits in the world, our diamonds are not merely resources; they are the sparkling jewels of our heritage, fueling opportunity in our economies and igniting hope in our communities. 10. Yet, despite this brilliance, our diamond industry has yet to fully empower our people. 11. It is here that ADPA serves as a beacon —uniting our nations to unlock the true potential of our diamond sector. 12. Enhanced partnerships will ensure that the benefits of our diamond resources contribute to meaningful and sustainable socioeconomic transformation across ourContinent. 13. As custodians of these precious treasures, we must lead in ethical sourcing and ensure that every diamond mined in Africa promotes equitable wealth distribution and community development. 14. As we gather here in Freetown, we must redouble our efforts to achieve ADPA’s four main objectives, which are to: i. Foster cooperation among Member Countries. ii. Adopt harmonised legal solutions across Member Countries. iii. Promote mutual technical assistance. iv. Transform conflict diamonds into symbols of peace and sustainable development. 15. As we work to place Africa’s diamond industry on its rightful global pedestal, we must also enhance governance, transparency, and accountability. 16. Persistent challenges — such as illicit trade, widespread smuggling, opaque practices, market fluctuations, and climate change —continue to deprive our nations of the full benefits of these invaluable non-renewable resources. 17. Yet, from these challenges emergeopportunities for innovation and renewal. 18. Our natural resources, the very bedrock of our shared prosperity, must be harnessed to drive sustainable development and empower every citizen — rather than perpetuating the legacy of the resource curse. DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES, 19. It is essential to recognise that our mineral resources are abundant, and infrastructural development is crucial — especially in our local mining communities. 20. We must empower these communities by providing essential infrastructure such as wellmaintained roads, adequate hospital facilities, quality schools, reliable power and water supply, community buildings, and alternative livelihood projects. 21. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives must extend well beyond the lifespan of our mines, ensuring that communities thrive both during and after mining projects. 22. A harmonious relationship between mining companies and local communities is essential, as it grants companies the vitalsocial license to operate. 23. Moreover, by embracing technological advancements — through blockchain, digital tracking systems, and improved certification mechanisms — we can ensurethat our diamonds remain conflict-free and that the revenues generated are directed toward our national development priorities. DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, 24. Since 2018, my Government has made significant strides in strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks that are essential to fully harnessing the potential of our mining sector — for the benefit of both our people and our investors. 25. We have strengthened governance in the mining industry through enhanced oversight, increased community engagement, and comprehensive legal and institutional reforms. 26. We have rigorously reviewed the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources’ legislative framework to address both existing and emerging challenges. 27. A landmark achievement was the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022, replacing the outdated Mines and Minerals Act of 2009. 28. This new legislation not only enhances provisions for exploration, mining, and mineral development but also aims to deliver tangible social and economic benefits to the people of Sierra Leone. 29. It promotes transparent and accountable management of the minerals sector, environmental stewardship, and community development in line with international bestpractices. 30. Complementing this Act are other key policies, including the National Minerals Agency Act 2023 and the Extractive Industries Revenue Act 2018. 31. Together, these measures demonstrate our resolve to elevate the mining sector as a driver of sustainable development, ensuring that our resources are managed with both prudence and vision. DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, 32. Diamonds have long been among Sierra Leone’s most valuable natural resources and a major source of export revenue. 33. In response, my Government has taken boldsteps to regulate the diamond sector —ensuring responsible extraction, enhanced transparency, and heightened accountability to foster long-term economic growth. 34. Recognising that our citizens are at the heart of our national development, we have incorporated the Diamond Area Community Development Fund into our Mining Policy. 35. This Fund enables us to invest a portion of the revenues generated from diamond mining and exports directly into the development of local communities. 36. DISTINGUISHED DELEGATES, our shared vision must
