In what may seem to be the beginning of closer ties between Namibia and Angola’s energy and mining industries, a strong delegation of officials from Angola’s government and the country’s energy and mining industries yesterday visited Namibia’s sales and marketing company NAMDIA’s headquarters in Windhoek.
The visit to NAMDIA forms part of the delegation, spearheaded by Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, to his counterpart, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Honourable Tom Alweendo.
Accompanying Dr Azevedo to NAMDIA was Angolan Ambassador to Namibia, Jovelina Imperial de Costa, mining executives Jose Manuel Ganga Junior, President of ENDIAMA, Eugenio P. Bravo Da Rosa, President of SODIAM, as well as energy executives from institutions and members from the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Namibia such as the Diamond Commissioner Mrs Miina Aune Gahutu.
During their visit, the delegation met with NAMDIA’s Board and executives, toured its diamond facilities, and gained insight into the company’s strategic objectives and operations.
The visit presented a platform for the northern neighbours to gain knowledge about Namibia’s diamond industry, NAMDIA’s operations, including its commitment to sustainability and community impact programs.
The visit provided the delegation with an opportunity to establish formal business relationships and laid the ground for future co-operations.
In addition, the parties explored possible future strategic synergetic linkages that could benefit the respective companies and nations in the long term, particularly sharing of diamond infrastructures.
“We are delighted to welcome the Angolan delegation to NAMDIA,” said Mr Bryan Eiseb, chairman of NAMDIA’s Board of Directors.
“This visit will provide both nations an opportunity to explore possible linkages that could strengthen relations and offer a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.”
Alisa Amupolo, the CEO of NAMDIA, during the company overview presentation expressed NAMDIA’s enthusiasm to establish formal relations with SODIAM and ENDIAMA-EP and highlighted the potential Namibia and Angola has in promoting the region’s unique diamonds to generate even greater value for Namibia and Angola as both alluvial producing countries.
ENDIAMA E.P. is the national diamond company of Angola and is the exclusive concessionaire of mining rights in the domain of diamonds, while SODIAM E.P., Angola’s state-owned national diamond trading company, oversees, controls and supervises the purchase, sale, and import and export of diamonds in Angola.
Dr Diamantino Pedro Azevedo in his introduction of his delegation, expressed profound commitment to Angola’s mining and honed in on the diamond industry’s potential.
“Our natural resources are not a curse. It is only a curse if it’s used incorrectly or not used at all,” he said. “I believe our region’s natural resources have the potential to put our nations on the global map and opportunities abound. If we work together with our people and collaborate with our neighbours, we will achieve great things.”
In a statement NAMDIA said that it not only has a long-standing commitment to establishing a permanent footprint in the global diamond industry but is also committed to exploring sustainable strategic collaborations aimed at bolstering its strategic objectives.
“The visit of the Angolan diamond delegation is a testament to NAMDIA’s reputation as a leader in its sector.
“The company looks forward to building a strong relationship with the delegation and continuing to prioritize sustainable practices in its business model optimization as it ventures into its new expanding horizons.”
In the photo: Angolan Mines minister Dr. Diamantino Avezedo rubbing shoulders with NAMDIA and ENDIAMA executives.
