Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s visit to NAMDIA offices earlier this week may have come five years after the establishment of the state-owned diamond marketing company, just several months after President Hage Geingob visited the company for the first time at the end of last year;
But according to NAMDIA the visits of top government officials come at the right time.
NAMDIA’s public relations officer Ms Beverley Coussement responded to a few questions posed after Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s visit.
What was the purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit to NAMDIA?
NAMDIA invited the Prime Minister to visit its headquarters with the aim to provide her with an in-depth understanding of its operations, strategy, sales overview, achievements and future strategic objectives.
The visit also allowed the Prime Minister to view NAMDIA’s purchase entitlement and experience the beauty of Namibia’s rough diamonds.
She was hosted by the Chief Executive Offer, Ms. Alisa Amupolo, NAMDIA board member Mr. Justus Hausiku and was accompanied by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Honorable Tom Alweendo.
What were the Prime Minister’s remarks?
The Prime Minister remarked that NAMDIA was setting the benchmark, which most Commercial Public Enterprises could emulate and have consistently published its Financial Reports since inception.
She also congratulated NAMDIA on its price discovery mechanism that is yielding positive results for the shareholder.
She encouraged that the sector explores methods and opportunities that would create more value for its natural resource and called for increased activity in processing and local diamond manufacturing.
Why did it take 5 years for the Prime Minister to visit NAMDIA?
The initial 5 years since NAMDIA’s inception was focused on putting various systems in place and pushing its international brand recognition forward, whilst ensuring profitability for the institution through its price discovery mechanism.
With the completing and commencement of the new 5-year strategic plan, which is now in its second year, NAMDIA felt the timing is aligned to demonstrate what it has accomplished, as it ventures into its next phase of expanding horizons.
In the photo: Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila inspecting a rough diamond (photo courtesy of NAMDIA).
