Also known as: De Beers Group · De Beers Marine Namibia
Diamond producer with 85% stake owned by Anglo American; Namibia holds 50% of operations through Namdeb Holdings joint venture.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on De Beers
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
De Beers Group has intensified its efforts to boost demand for and unveiled a new phase of its global 'Desert Diamonds' marketing campaign
“De Beers Group has intensified its efforts to boost demand for natural diamonds, unveiling a new phase of its global 'Desert Diamonds' marketing campaign.”
De Beers doubles down on natural diamonds with new campaignWindhoek Observer
De Beers partnered with Botswana on diamond resource management
“Through its partnership with De Beers, Botswana negotiated a far more beneficial arrangement over time, eventually securing substantial state participation and greater control over diamond sorting, trading and value addition.”
Namibia’s minerals must first serve NamibiaThe Namibian
De Beers are reporting losses
“Even gem giants like De Beers are reporting losses.”
Africa’s Place in the Global Diamond EconomyThe Namibian
De Beers created huge wealth from 130 years of diamond mining in Namibia
“Compare this to the wealth it created for Anglo American, De Beers and England.”
Namra targets tax compliance and governance in mineral and petroleum licence transfersThe Namibian
De Beers was valued at US$2.3 billion, down from US$4.1 billion
“This comes as multinational mining company Anglo American dramatically reduced the internal valuation of diamond company De Beers to US$2.3 billion (about N$36.9 billion), following ongoing financial struggles.”
Debmarine works to mitigate pressures on natural diamondsNamibian Sun
De Beers met the President
The Namibian
De Beers owns 50% of Debswana in Botswana
“That money comes primarily from Debswana, whose ownership is split 50-50 between the government of Botswana and the South African mining giant De Beers.”
Botswana’s diamond boom faces threat from synthetics, tariffsInformanté
De Beers was represented by Chief Executive Officer Al Cook at the meeting
“PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received a senior delegation from the De Beers Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Al Cook, at State House to discuss the future of Namibia's diamond industry.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah meets De Beers CEO to discuss diamond sector cooperationNew Era
De Beers Group is intensifying global marketing strategy for Namibian diamonds under 'Desert Diamonds' brand
“Cook told the President that the De Beers Group is in the process of intensifying its global marketing strategy for Namibian diamonds under a new 'Desert Diamonds' brand, which he said could mark a crucial turning point for Namibian rough stones.”
NNN, De Beers in crunch diamond talksThe Namibian
De Beers raised total revenue 6% to US$3.49 billion in 2025
“De Beers' total revenue rose 6% to US$3.49 billion in 2025.”
Namibia faces fiscal pressure as synthetic diamonds devalue natural marketNamibia's quarterly diamond production declined to 495,000 carats in the quarter ending 30 September, compared to 531,000 carats a year earlier, according to De Beers production figures. Year-to-date production for the first nine months reached 1.58 million carats, down 3% from 1.62 million carats in the same period of 2025.
21 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's quarterly diamond production declined to 495,000 carats in the quarter ending 30 September, compared to 531,000 carats a year earlier, according to De Beers production figures. Year-to-date production for the first nine months reached 1.58 million carats, down 3% from 1.62 million carats in the same period of 2025.
21 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 →
Namdeb Holdings has requested financial assistance from the government as falling global diamond prices have reduced state revenue. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah noted that the diamond sector, once yielding N$5 billion annually, has declined significantly, with the companies now seeking relief despite Namibia's 50:50 shareholding with De Beers.
15 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Kenzoll Capital has partnered with MSF Commercials to restart operations at the Sperrgebiet Diamond Mine near Lüderitz, which has been largely out of production since Namdeb placed it on care and maintenance in 2018 when it could no longer operate the mine economically.
8 October 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete is demanding that the government explain Namibia's position on the proposed sale of De Beers, citing Botswana's parliament being informed while Namibia's has not been. Cloete questions whether Namibia was approached to join the Global Diamond Consortium bidding for Anglo American's 85% stake, and seeks clarity on the diamond sales agreement with De Beers that expired in May.
5 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namdeb Diamond Corporation's Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund discovered a 176.29-carat diamond, Namibia's largest in two decades, officially unveiled by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The find offers hope to the industry as it faces pressure from weak global demand and growing competition from laboratory-grown diamonds.
2 October 2026 · New Era →
Namdeb discovered a 176.29-carat diamond named "Owishi" at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund in May, which President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah unveiled at a ceremony in Windhoek. According to diamond industry estimates, the rough diamond could fetch between US$5 million and over US$25 million at current market prices.
1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has unveiled a 176.29-carat diamond named "Owishi" recovered by Namdeb at the Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund on 10 May 2026, the largest of its kind recovered there in two decades. The President described the discovery as reinforcing Namibia's position as a producer of high-quality gem-grade natural diamonds in a global market facing competition from laboratory-grown alternatives.
30 September 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly objects to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti's approval of an environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper project to mine for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean, saying Namibia should not be used for an ocean experiment. The president held a meeting with senior government officials this week to express concerns about the decision made without apparent consultation on a matter of massive public interest.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namdeb's chief executive says the diamond market is showing first signs of recovery, with lab-grown diamonds hitting their ceiling and buyers at the top end turning toward natural stones. The Rapaport Diamond Report shows diamond prices stabilized in July after months of decline, with demand expected to benefit larger stones, of which over 80% of Namdeb's revenue derives.
10 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Premier Foods announced the closure of its Fruit Products Western Cape business, citing declining global demand, pricing pressure, rising input costs, and U.S. tariffs as reasons. The plant closure could affect 246 permanent employees and up to 2,200 contract and seasonal employees.
1 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Anglo American is advancing its sale process for De Beers while implementing cost-cutting measures in response to weak global diamond market conditions. MoneyWeb reports discussions on a deal valued at about US$1 billion, a steep decline from the company's earlier carrying value of US$2.3 billion after three impairments in three years.
31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's mining sector, from ancient copper extraction to modern diamonds and uranium, contributes approximately 13–14% of GDP and generates more than 60% of export earnings in many years. The article questions whether Namibia has captured the full value of its mineral wealth over more than a century of industrial mining.
31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Economist Robin Sherbourne has advised Namibia to buy out its stake in Namdeb and sell its high-quality natural diamonds independently of the De Beers system, arguing that Namibia's 95% gem-quality diamonds may be undervalued when aggregated with lower-quality diamonds globally.
30 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's rough diamond production remained stable at 531,000 carats in the second quarter, as higher-grade mining at Namdeb offset operational disruptions at Debmarine Namibia, according to Anglo American's production report.
24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy dismissed reports that Namibia has lost its bid to acquire a stake in De Beers, calling circulating information "misleading and incorrect," after Botswana's minister said Anglo American had selected the Global Diamond Consortium as its preferred bidder for the diamond producer's sale.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Anglo American PLC reported that its total tax and economic contribution in Namibia fell 21% to US$432 million (N$7.11 billion) in 2025, compared with US$545 million (N$8.97 billion) in 2024, with declines across wages, procurement, capital expenditure, and tax contributions.
1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Botswana President Duma Boko said the country is seeking an investment partner from the UAE and Oman to acquire a strategic stake in De Beers as Anglo American sells its 85% stake in the diamond producer. Botswana already owns 15% of De Beers and is also engaging with Namibia and Angola to explore alliances to increase its holding.
22 June 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' latest US Diamond Acquisition Study finds Gen Z consumers spend an average of US$4,080 per natural diamond jewellery purchase, nearly double Baby Boomers' US$2,250, and account for 23% of natural diamond demand value despite representing only 18% of the population. Natural diamonds remain the most sought-after luxury jewellery product in the US, with average purchase prices reaching record highs.
19 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government is considering spending up to N$3 billion to buy a stake in De Beers, reportedly partnering with Angola and Botswana, which already hold 15% of the diamond company. The deal follows Anglo American's decision to exit De Beers and sell its 85% stake, with De Beers' valuation dropping significantly from N$65.7 billion to N$6.9 billion.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
The government's proposed 51% local ownership requirement for future mining licences has strained relations with the Chamber of Mines, which raised concerns about investor confidence and capital flight. The article argues that while foreign investment is important to the mining sector, Namibia's minerals belong first to Namibians and the country must balance competing interests.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Natural diamonds face pressure from cheaper laboratory-grown synthetics, prompting African producers, particularly Botswana, to withhold inventory from the market to signal scarcity and protect long-term value rather than compete on depressed prices.
26 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Green Metals Refining has appointed seasoned mining and banking executive Fabian Shaanika to the board of its Namibian subsidiary Kudu Chemicals, which is developing a sulphuric acid plant at Walvis Bay for battery-grade manganese chemical production.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Revenue Agency has called a meeting at its Windhoek head office to address legal compliance and governance challenges in the transfer of mineral and petroleum licences and company shares, bringing together regulators, policymakers, tax officials, industry representatives and taxpayers. Former Cabinet minister Calle Schlettwein has criticised the regulatory framework, saying mineral rights are not adequately treated as state assets and arguing that many mineral companies employ tax avoidance schemes that result in profits leaving Namibia.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Debmarine Namibia is pursuing brand-building and consumer education to protect the natural diamond industry as synthetic diamonds devalue the market and reduce consumer appetite. The strategy comes as De Beers' valuation has plummeted from US$4.1 billion to US$2.3 billion, potentially affecting Namibia's funding for schools, hospitals, roads and social programmes.
11 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →