Dr Fula Ngenge, the chairperson of Angola’s Diamond Council, has been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans for 2026 by the Global Reputation Forum in partnership with Reputation Poll International.
The recognition honours Dr Ngenge’s lifelong commitment to transparency, integrity and transformative leadership in Africa’s diamond sector and beyond.
Reacting to the news at his office in Luanda, Dr Ngenge told Bbeg Media that the honour was deeply humbling.
“It is with a spirit of deep humility and profound gratitude that I receive this news. This recognition resonates deeply because it elevates the two guiding principles my core team and I hold sacred: transparency and integrity,” he said.
“In the intricate universe of the global diamond trade, where value is judged with intense scrutiny, this distinction represents a benchmark of global trust. To me, that is the most valuable commendation of all.”
The accolade, which will be formally presented in April in London, United Kingdom, crowns a 44-year career dedicated to ethical governance, technological innovation and leveraging Africa’s diamond resources for sustainable human development.
Dr Ngenge, a mining engineer and senior strategy adviser from Angola, began his professional legacy in 1986 by pioneering the introduction of ideal and super-ideal cut diamonds, commonly known as Hearts and Arrows, a move that helped elevate global standards of diamond craftsmanship.
A veteran administrator in the diamond industry, he has played a key role in the international fight against blood and conflict diamonds and has been a leading advocate for provenance and traceability within the global diamond trade.
Beyond the industry, Dr Ngenge has been a strong champion of women and youth empowerment. He has also advised the Luanda government on Operation Transparency, a groundbreaking initiative that has functioned as a continental revenue recovery programme.
As chairperson of both the African International Diamond Exchange and the African Diamond Trust Fund, he has institutionalised his vision for an ethical, transparent and equitable diamond trade across Africa. His work has contributed to redirecting diamond revenues towards improving the quality of life in African communities.
Dr Ngenge’s influence extends beyond the diamond sector. He is a trusted sovereign debt specialist and senior development finance professional with a strong focus on debt relief, restructuring and financing critical infrastructure projects.
He is also a specialist in Angola’s promotion and national branding, with notable impact in arts and culture, aviation, tourism and sports. Through this work, he has helped shape a stronger and more positive narrative for Africa on the global stage.
In addition, Dr Ngenge serves as chairperson and co-founder of the Africa-GCC Council and is recognised as a leading advocate for diaspora engagement across the African continent.
His inclusion on the 2026 list places him among distinguished figures such as pioneering heart surgeon Dr Magdi Yacoub, Olori Atuwatse III of the Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa and former Mauritian president Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
