Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) on 15 September hosted the Deputy Prime Minister who also serves as the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Mr Natangue Ithete, for an official visit to its headquarters.
Ithete is the highest government official to visit the state-owned diamond marketing company eight months after a robbery which claimed two lives and led to the theft of 446 parcels of diamonds worth N$314.9 million.
In the past top government officials also visited the company, but that was last in March 2023 when the then Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila visited the company, and in November 2022 when the then President Dr Hage Geingob visited the company.
Ithete’s high-level delegation including the Executive Director, Mr. Moses Pakote and other ministry officials were received by NAMDIA’s Board of Directors, executive management and staff.
The visit served as a platform to deepen institutional collaboration and reaffirm the Ministry’s oversight and support for NAMDIA’s strategic direction.
Delivering welcoming remarks on behalf of the Board, NAMDIA Chairperson, Mr. Justus Hausiku, expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as “a meaningful step to deepen collaboration, alignment and shared purpose within the diamond value chain.”
He highlighted NAMDIA’s achievements over the past nine years in fulfilling its mandate as a price discovery mechanism, consistently generating above-average returns for Namibia, while acknowledging the challenges posed by market volatility, shifting consumer expectations and the operational impact of the January 2025 security breach.
Mr Hausiku further emphasised the steps taken to strengthen internal security systems, restore public trust and provide emotional support to staff, noting that “within these challenges lie real opportunities to reaffirm NAMDIA’s position as a trusted and resilient player in the global diamond trade.”
Part of the visit included a presentation and walkthrough of the enhanced security infrastructure and operational protocols implemented following the January 2025 security breach.
The upgrades, which include strengthened access controls, improved surveillance systems and more robust internal procedures, were developed to not only restore public trust but to ensure future operational resilience.
Discussions also centred around the upcoming renegotiation of the Sales and Marketing Agreement, as the current agreement approaches its end.
NAMDIA used the opportunity to share its insights from nearly a decade of implementing the agreement, its strategic role in the value chain and its aspirations for a more equitable, transparent and forward-looking framework for diamond sales in Namibia.
Over the past nine years, NAMDIA has fulfilled its mandate of serving as a price discovery mechanism for Namibian rough diamonds, consistently achieving prices above the national average, while contributing meaningfully to state revenue and social impact projects.
The company also outlined its future aspirations, which include embracing innovation and digitalisation and enhancing its global footprint while remaining rooted in national development objectives.
“I commend NAMDIA for its strong social responsibility efforts and urge all Namibians to remain confident and proud of this institution, which belongs to us,” said Ithete. “If there are areas that need to be improved, let us do so and continue to grow NAMDIA together without losing faith or confidence in its purpose.”
“We are truly honoured by today’s engagement,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lelly Usiku.
“The presence of the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister is a strong affirmation of the Ministry’s guidance and oversight, and it inspires us to continue delivering value with transparency, pride and a deep sense of national purpose.”
The visit concluded with open dialogue between the delegation and NAMDIA leadership on shared challenges, policy alignment and the importance of ongoing engagement to ensure cohesive strategy implementation across the diamond sector.
In the photo: Mr Natangue Ithete’s delegation, with top NAMDIA officials.
