Announcement: The New Diamond Board of Namibia
The Namibian government is pleased to announce the formation of the new Diamond Board, a regulatory body overseeing the diamond industry in Namibia. This new development is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable diamond mining practices.
The Diamond Board of Namibia will play a crucial role in ensuring that Namibia’s diamond industry operates in compliance with international standards, strengthens its position in the global market, and maximizes the benefits for our local communities.
Under the leadership of the newly appointed members, the Diamond Board aims to promote ethical practices, fair trade, and responsible diamond sourcing. This includes implementing robust systems to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds and promoting environmentally friendly mining practices.
Additionally, the Diamond Board of Namibia will work towards creating a conducive investment climate in the diamond sector. By collaborating with key stakeholders and industry experts, the Board will develop strategies to attract further investment, promote innovation, and enhance the overall competitiveness of our diamond industry.
We are confident that the newly formed Diamond Board will bring a fresh perspective, expertise, and a renewed commitment to the sustainable development of Namibia’s diamond industry. Together, we can reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a responsible supplier of high-quality diamonds that benefit our economy and communities.
For more information and updates about the Diamond Board and Namibia’s diamond industry, please visit our official website or get in touch with our designated representatives.
Website: www.namibiadiamondboard.com
We look forward to a prosperous and responsible future for the diamond sector in Namibia – Diamond Board of Namibia
Thank you.
Best regards,
Ministry of Mines and Energy
Namibia – Diamond Board of Namibia
Namdeb and the Current State of Diamonds in Namibia
Namdeb (Namibia Desert Diamonds) is a diamond mining company based in Namibia, a country located in southwestern Africa. The company is a joint venture between the Namibian government and the De Beers Group, with each holding a 50% stake.
Namibia is known for its rich diamond deposits, and the country is one of the world’s top producers of gem-quality diamonds. The diamond industry plays a significant role in Namibia’s economy, contributing to employment, infrastructure development, and government revenue.
The current state of diamonds in Namibia remains robust. The country employs responsible mining practices, focusing on sustainable extraction methods and environmental conservation. Namdeb adheres to strict ethical standards, ensuring that the diamond industry benefits both the economy and local communities.
The Namibian government has implemented policies to support local beneficiation and value addition in the diamond sector. This emphasis on in-country processing and trading of diamonds aims to maximize the economic benefits for Namibia.
Namibia is also renowned for its offshore diamond deposits, particularly along the southwestern coast. These marine deposits are mined using specialized vessels and technologies, contributing significantly to the country’s diamond production.
Overall, Namdeb and the diamond industry in Namibia continue to thrive, benefiting the economy and communities while prioritizing sustainable practices.
Like with other minerals, what Namibians need to continue to ask is whether Namibian diamonds can contribute more to the domestic economy. “What more can we get from our diamonds; how can the diamond sector contribute more to our local economic activities?” asked mines and energy minister, Tom Alweendo, yesterday.
Alweendo asked these questions at the announcement of the new Diamond Board, which is tasked with advising the minister on matters relating to the diamond industry. The Diamond Act established the creation of the Diamond Board.
“As we all know, diamonds play a very important role in our economy. Of the total exports from the mining industry, more than 50% comes from the diamond industry. In 2022, of the total taxes from the mining industry, 55% came from the diamond sector. It is that important, requiring us to manage the sector with due care,” said Alweendo.
The minister added that the biggest diamond producer in the country is still Namdeb, the 50:50 joint venture between the government and De Beers. Namdeb has two subsidiaries, namely Namdeb that does the land-based mining, and Debmarine, that mines offshore.
“Over the years, more and more of the production comes from Debmarine. It is also worthy to note that the relationship between the government and De Beers as shareholders is governed by the sales and marketing agreement, that is expiring in May 2026, and a new agreement will be negotiated. One of the key features of the current agreement is that 15% of the total diamond production is allocated to Namdia and 35% is allocated to the local cutting and polishing industry,” Alweendo explained.
“In my view, one of the biggest challenges the global diamond industry will be faced with, is the challenge that comes from the lab-produced diamonds, commonly known as synthetic diamonds.
These are diamonds that are artificially produced, and they look exactly like the natural diamonds. They are produced at lower cost and are likely to attract a segment of diamond consumers. If more and more people start to buy synthetic diamonds, natural diamond producing countries will lose the market and this will have a negative economic impact,” Alweendo
cautioned.
He continued that while it is not possible to prevent the production of synthetic diamonds, it is possible to insist that they are not marketed as natural diamonds.
“These will be some of the issues I
expect the board to pay attention to and advice how best to proceed. As per the Diamond Act, you as members have been nominated by various stakeholders, such as the producers, dealers, cutters and polishers. You are, therefore, experts in the industry and I hope you will bring your expertise to bear and ensure that our diamond
industry continues to be managed in the best manner possible,” said Alweendo.
The new Diamond Board members are Erasmus Shivolo (chairperson), Maenge Shipiki Kali (deputy chair), Festus Nghifenwa, Pauline Thomas, Wollen Zuleika Nell, Benita Herma, Brent Eiseb, Nekulilo Ithete, Bartholomeus de Klerk, Emily Kapulwa, Desley Somseb and Isabella Chirchir.
Namibian government implemented policies
The Namibian government has implemented several policies to support local beneficiation and value addition in the diamond sector. The most notable policy is the Diamond Act of 1999, which mandates that a certain percentage of Namibia’s diamonds must be processed locally before being exported. This policy aims to create job opportunities and develop the local diamond cutting and polishing industry.
Additionally, the government and Diamond Board of Namibia established the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) in 2007 to facilitate the sorting, valuing, and sales of Namibian diamonds. The NDTC ensures that a portion of the country’s rough diamonds are made available to local diamond cutting and polishing firms, encouraging value addition within Namibia.
Furthermore, the Namibian government has partnered with international diamond companies to establish cutting and polishing factories in the country. These partnerships aim to transfer knowledge and skills to local workers, enhance the value of Namibian diamonds, and promote economic diversification.
By implementing these policies, the Namibian government strives to maximize the economic benefits derived from its diamond resources, create employment opportunities, and develop a sustainable diamond industry within the country.
