MISSION STATEMENT: The allure of gemstones can be very powerful indeed, not only capturing our imagination but also unleashing an unbridled passion that for some will last a lifetime. Throughout history, they have symbolized power and wealth, been prized for their beauty, and revered for their healing and magical powers. What is often overlooked is that these ‘wonders of the earth’ are invariably found in areas with the greatest poverty.

Project Africa is an initiative by the World Gem Foundation to create a 'Value Chain' that will be self-sustaining and ensure that those living in gem producing areas benefit economically from the mining and processing of their gemstones. Our 'Value Chain' will include centres of excellence so that students can study gemmology, gem faceting and jewellery making. Through the establishment of World Gem Foundation Gem Testing Laboratories, we will ensure that gemstones are correctly identified, graded and traced to their orginal source. Our 'International Buyers Consortium' will provide selling opportunities for African gem producers by opening up new markets and giving them access to foreign currency.

Project Africa will change the current dynamic by changing lives, not just today but for generations to come.