History
The DGI Group has evolved from a modest diamond exporting and marketing company focused on Africa to a natural resources group with diversified activities in North and South America, Israel, Africa and Europe.
Following a period of purchasing and marketing artisinally mined diamonds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2000, DGI sought a partnership with a more reliable supplier - the majority state-owned diamond mining company Société Minière De Bakwanga, or MIBA. Emaxon Finance, a DGI subsidiary, offered financial assistance to MIBA in 2003 with a $15 million interest-free loan to pay back wages, buy new equipment and help secure the company’s further development. In exchange, MIBA committed to sell DGI 88% of its output of mostly industrial diamonds at a discount to market rates. Emaxon has stood by MIBA during its continuing financial difficulties.
In 2005, DGI established the first diamond polishing factory in the DRC, Emaxon Polishing, in Kananga. The state-of-the-art factory is an investment in the future of diamond polishing in the DRC, and eventually will allow the country to keep a higher percentage of the diamond value chain.
Through its consulting unit, DGI has since diversified into other areas of natural resources development and associated logistics and financing activities as well as real estate, plastics and renewable energy, among others, ranging from cobalt and copper mines in the DRC to copper, cobalt and nickel mines in South America. DGI has also started to focus on real estate development and agricultural investment in Europe and Africa.
In 2006, we created DGI International, a global consulting firm specialised in exploring and creating business opportunities at the frontiers of development. With experience spanning mining, logistics, industry and real estate, DGI International helps clients identify business opportunities, recruit staff, structure finances and communicate effectively with stakeholders in developing countries world-wide.
In 2007, we created the Gertler Foundation in the DRC to support the communities in which
DGI operates. We work together with local communities to identify areas in which we can make the biggest difference, for example in health care, education and care of the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable members of society. Together with partners, the Gertler Foundation aims to strengthen the DRC’s health and education infrastructures as a contribution to the sustainable development of the DRC economy.