The company has also set an ambitious goal of doubling this figure to 10 million carats in 2025.
Munashe Shava, the ZCDC board chairman, acknowledged the challenges posed by depressed commodity prices in the global market, stating that the company has implemented various initiatives to counter these economic pressures. He further indicated that ZCDC is optimistic about achieving its target of 5.7 million carats this year and nearly doubling that production to 10 million carats next year.
Zimbabwe, currently ranked as the world's seventh-largest diamond producer, recorded an output of 4.9 million carats in the previous year, according to Kimberley Process data. The diamonds were valued at $303 million, with exports totalling 5.6 million carats worth $297 million.
Despite this positive outlook for the diamond industry, Zimbabwe's political landscape remains tense. As Zimbabwe ramps up its diamond production, the country's position in the global diamond market is likely to strengthen, although the political challenges may continue to cast a shadow over its economic progress.
