De Beers Group CEO overseeing company's sale negotiations with governments including Namibia and discussing diamond sector challenges.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Al Cook
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
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Windhoek Observer
Al Cook acquired six shares under Anglo American's Share Incentive Plan
“Four executives acquired six shares each, comprising three Partnership Shares and three Matching Shares. They included CEO Duncan Wanblad, Alison Atkinson, who oversees projects and development, Monique Carter, responsible for people and organisation, and De Beers CEO Al Cook.”
Paratus director sells N$129 000 in company sharesWindhoek Observer
De Beers CEO Al Cook said the sale of De Beers could be concluded within weeks
“De Beers chief executive officer, Al Cook says the long-running sale of the diamond producer could be concluded within weeks, with governments from southern Africa and experienced industry investors expressing interest in acquiring stakes in the company.”
De Beers CEO says sale could be completed within weeksWindhoek Observer
Al Cook said De Beers had relaunched its global marketing efforts over the past two years
“Cook said De Beers had relaunched its global marketing efforts over the past two years, with renewed investment in promoting natural diamonds in the United States and other key markets.”
De Beers CEO says sale could be completed within weeksWindhoek Observer
Al Cook said the industry must unite behind natural diamonds to maximize emerging market opportunities
“Speaking at the annual JCK Las Vegas Show, the world's largest jewelry industry event, De Beers Group chief executive officer Al Cook said the industry must unite behind natural diamonds to maximize emerging market opportunities.”
De Beers doubles down on natural diamonds with new campaignNamibian Sun
Al Cook led De Beers' delegation
The Namibian
De Beers Group CEO Al Cook met for talks on a diamond deal with Botswana's minerals minister
“De Beers Group CEO Al Cook and Botswana's minister of mineral and energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, shake hands as they meet for talks on a diamond deal, in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2025.”
Botswana’s diamond boom faces threat from synthetics, tariffsInformanté
Cook thanked the President for the reception
“Cook thanked the President for the reception, adding that the Namibia–De Beers partnership has endured both prosperous and challenging periods, and reaffirmed the company's commitment to ensuring the diamond industry remains sustainable and beneficial for future generations.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah meets De Beers CEO to discuss diamond sector cooperationNew Era
Al Cook told President De Beers is bringing Namibian diamonds to USA and worldwide with 'Desert Diamonds' brand
“"We are bringing Namibian diamonds to the United States of America and to countries around the world, and we are telling people the proud story of Namibian diamonds. We are branding them the 'Desert Diamonds' to celebrate the natural environment of Namibia," he said.”
NNN, De Beers in crunch diamond talksNew Era
Al Cook described the meeting with Nandi-Ndaitwah as constructive and focused on strengthening partnership
“Cook described the meeting with Nandi-Ndaitwah as constructive and focused on strengthening the decades-long partnership between the company and Namibia.”
NNN, De Beers in crunch diamond talksThe government of Botswana and De Beers Group announced that De Beers has transferred its initial contribution of N$1.1 billion to the Diamonds for Development Fund, established to support Botswana's economic diversification through diamond wealth and investment in new industries and employment.
23 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government of Botswana and De Beers Group announced that De Beers has transferred its initial contribution of N$1.1 billion to the Diamonds for Development Fund, established to support Botswana's economic diversification through diamond wealth and investment in new industries and employment.
23 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Schalk Erasmus, a director of Paratus Namibia Holdings Limited, sold 10,440 ordinary shares on 14 October 2026 at N$12.35 per share for N$128,934. Anglo American executives also acquired shares under the company's Share Incentive Plan on the London Stock Exchange.
20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended UNGA81 to promote Namibia's investment opportunities, secure financing for critical infrastructure, and defend the country's interests in the global financial system. The visit produced new investment leads, water-financing discussions, potential education cooperation, and a stronger role in implementing the Pact for the Future, though these remain opportunities for further discussions rather than concluded agreements.
7 October 2026 · New Era →
De Beers intends to pause production at the Venetia mine in South Africa for two years to reduce costs and rephase capital expenditure on its underground project, while investing in critical infrastructure to enhance capacity and efficiency. The company will support impacted employees and continue community commitments as it manages the pause.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
De Beers CEO Al Cook says the company's sale could be completed within weeks, with governments including Namibia, Botswana and Angola, and industry investors expressing interest in acquiring stakes. Cook envisions the company's future as a public-private partnership combining governments and private investors.
19 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
De Beers Group has intensified efforts to boost demand for natural diamonds through a new phase of its global 'Desert Diamonds' marketing campaign, aiming to distinguish natural stones from synthetic alternatives and capitalize on growing consumer interest. Namibia produced 556,000 carats in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, and diamonds remain critical to the country's economy.
5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with multiple delegations at State House over the past week, including a De Beers delegation led by CEO Al Cook, the PDM party led by McHenry Venaani, NEFF and Nudo delegations, the Brave Gladiators after their 2025 COSAFA Women's Championship victory, and Namibia International Energy Conference founder Selma Shimutwikeni.
11 March 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Botswana, the world's second-largest diamond producer, faces mounting pressure from the rise of cheaper synthetic diamonds (now accounting for one-fifth of the global market) and US tariffs disrupting diamond polishing, threatening an economy where diamonds comprise 80% of exports and contribute a quarter of GDP. The country's economy shrank 3% in 2024 as output from state-owned Debswana fell 39% between 2023 and 2025, forcing mine closures and workforce reductions that ripple through dependent towns like Jwaneng.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received a delegation from De Beers Group led by CEO Al Cook to discuss the future of Namibia's diamond industry, including challenges from lab-grown diamonds and opportunities to strengthen the longstanding partnership.
28 February 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and De Beers Group CEO Al Cook met to address pressures facing Namibia's diamond industry, including competition from lab-grown diamonds, market volatility, and structural weaknesses. De Beers is launching a "Desert Diamonds" marketing campaign to differentiate natural diamonds from synthetics and educate consumers globally about Namibian diamonds' value and origin.
27 February 2026 · New Era →