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Friday, 21 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 21 August 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Namdeb

Also known as: Namdeb Holdings · Namdeb Diamond Corporation · diamond mining company Namdeb · Namibia De Beers

Namdeb — diamond mining company operating in Namibia, showing recovery signs as natural stone demand rises amid lab-grown diamond saturation.

2022-10-122026-08-21

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. August 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Namdeb chief executive Riaan Burger said a big marketing campaign from De Beers should be expected later this year to capitalise on the split between lab-grown and natural diamonds

    Source

    Speaking at the Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek on Thursday, Namdeb chief executive Riaan Burger said a big marketing campaign should be expected from De Beers later this year to capitalise on this split.

    Glimmer of hope for diamonds
  3. July 2026
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb hosted its first-ever Career Fair in Oranjemund

    Source

    Learners in the //Kharas Region have been given a rare opportunity to explore career possibilities without leaving their communities after Namdeb hosted its first-ever Career Fair in Oranjemund, addressing a long-standing challenge of limited access to career guidance in remote areas.

    Namdeb breaks career access barriers for //Kharas learners
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb donated reflector bands to learners at Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School

    Source

    On 20 July, the company donated reflector bands to learners at Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School as part of efforts to improve pedestrian safety amid rising concerns over road accidents.

    Namdeb breaks career access barriers for //Kharas learners
  6. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb Holdings reported turnover of N$12.076 billion in 2025

    Source

    Namdeb Holdings reported a turnover of N$12.076 billion in 2025, paid corporate tax worth N$72.279 million, paid N$987.416 million in royalties and paid N$260 million in export levy, according to the Chamber of Mines.

    De Beers sale process advances amid weak diamond market
  7. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb is a joint venture that manages Namibia's diamond resources

    Source

    Government retained significant interests in strategic operations, most notably through Namdeb, the joint venture with De Beers that manages the country's diamond resources.

    Beneath Our Feet: How mining built Namibia and why its next chapter could be even more valuable
  8. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb supported Namibia's production through planned mining of higher-grade areas

    Source

    The mining group said production in Namibia was supported by the planned mining of higher-grade areas at Namdeb, which largely compensated for the retirement of the Coral Sea vessel in the comparative period and planned maintenance work on Debmarine Namibia's Mafuta vessel.

    Diamond production stood at 531 000 carats during Q2
  9. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb instituted legal proceedings against Van Rooyen in 2023 seeking cancellation of lease

    Source

    Court documents show that Namdeb instituted legal proceedings against Van Rooyen in 2023, seeking the cancellation of a residential lease agreement, payment of N$83,844.48 in alleged outstanding rental, interest, eviction from the property and legal costs.

    Namdeb seeks taxation of legal costs in rental dispute
  10. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb issued formal demand in December 2021 for outstanding rental payment

    Source

    Court papers state that Namdeb issued a formal demand in December 2021, calling on the defendant to settle the outstanding rental, failing which legal action would follow.

    Namdeb seeks taxation of legal costs in rental dispute
  11. Windhoek Observer

    Namdeb recovers land-based diamonds

    Source

    The operations include Namdeb, which recovers land-based diamonds, and Debmarine Namibia, which conducts offshore diamond mining.

    Namibia earned N$7.11 billion from Anglo American in 2025
  12. June 2026
  13. The Namibian

    Namdeb mines diamonds

    Source

    Namdeb and Debmarine mine diamonds, while the Namibia Diamond Trading Company sorts, values and distributes them for sale and local processing.

    Namibia considers N$3bn De Beers stake as experts warn ‘you don’t buy a dead horse’
Mining & Energy

US delegation explores deeper energy and minerals partnership with Namibia

The News

A US delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano, including officials from the State Department's energy and trade agencies, held high-level meetings with Namibian government officials and industry leaders to expand cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The delegation also represented the US at the Namibian Mining Expo and met with the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy to discuss opportunities in these sectors.

18 August 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 18 August

  1. US delegation explores deeper energy and minerals partnership with Namibia

    A US delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano, including officials from the State Department's energy and trade agencies, held high-level meetings with Namibian government officials and industry leaders to expand cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The delegation also represented the US at the Namibian Mining Expo and met with the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy to discuss opportunities in these sectors.

    18 August 2026 · Informanté

Monday 10 August

  1. Diamond sector shows recovery signs as market splits

    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

Friday 31 July

  1. Namdeb hosts first career fair in remote //Kharas region

    Namdeb held a two-day career fair on 17–18 July in Oranjemund to expose //Kharas learners to career pathways and professionals, addressing limited access to career guidance in remote areas. The event, organised with the //Kharas Regional Council and five local schools, focused on STEAM fields.

    31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. De Beers sale advances as Anglo American cuts costs amid diamond weakness

    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

  3. Mining has built Namibia's economy; next phase could yield more value

    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

Thursday 30 July

  1. Economist urges Namibia to exit De Beers, sell diamonds independently

    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

Friday 24 July

  1. Namibia's Q2 diamond production reaches 531,000 carats

    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

Monday 13 July

  1. Namdeb seeks taxation of legal costs in rental dispute

    Namdeb Diamond Corporation is pursuing the taxation stage of a legal dispute with former tenant Nadia Elizabeth Van Rooyen over a residential property in Oranjemund, with the High Court set to determine legal costs on 13 July. Namdeb initiated proceedings in 2023 seeking cancellation of the lease, payment of N$83,844.48 in outstanding rental, interest, eviction, and legal costs.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Anglo American's Namibia contribution falls 21% to N$7.11bn

    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

Sunday 21 June

  1. Mineworkers' union investment empire faces transparency and benefit questions

    Namibia's Mineworkers' Union of Namibia channels members' dues through Namibia Miners Investment Trust (Namit) and Nam-Mic Holdings, which have grown into a N$900-million portfolio with stakes in banks, mines, hotels and other sectors. Members and their representatives say they have seen little benefit from their decades of contributions and allege lack of transparency and financial irregularities.

    21 June 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 19 June

  1. De Beers CEO: diamond sale could conclude within weeks

    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

Thursday 11 June

  1. Namibia considers up to N$3bn stake in diamond firm De Beers

    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

Friday 5 June

  1. Protected habitat maintains stable brown hyena population

    Brown hyenas in Tsau //Khaeb National Park have remained stable since 1997 with an estimated 200 to 300 individuals in the park, benefiting from successful breeding and low human disturbance. The Brown Hyena Research Project, supported by Namdeb and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, studies the species' movements and warns that fences and busy roads could disrupt their long-distance coastal travels and threaten the population.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. De Beers launches Desert Diamonds campaign to promote natural diamonds

    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

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Natural resources create choices, not automatic prosperity

    The Namibian publishes an opinion piece arguing that as Namibia approaches major oil and gas production, history—including Iran's experience and Namibia's own resource management of fisheries, diamonds, and uranium—shows that natural resources must be strategically managed to avoid pitfalls like price dependency, reduced transparency, and lagging non-energy growth.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 9 May

  1. Fabian Shaanika appointed Chamber of Mines CEO from May 2026

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed geologist and investment banking professional Fabian Shaanika as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2026, succeeding retired CEO Veston Malango who led the organization for two decades. Shaanika brings nearly 20 years of mining sector experience across exploration, project development, financing, and production, including recent roles at Kelp Blue and senior positions at Rand Merchant Bank and Standard Bank Namibia.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Shaanika appointed Chamber of Mines CEO from May 2026

    Fabian Shaanika, former managing director of Kelp Blue, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, effective 1 May 2026. He brings experience from mining and resources roles at Namdeb, Vedanta's Skorpion Zinc Mine, Debmarine Namibia, and Rand Merchant Bank Namibia.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Chamber of Mines appoints Fabian Shaanika as chief executive

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has appointed Fabian Shaanika, formerly managing director of kelp farming company Kelp Blue, as its new chief executive effective 1 May. Shaanika, a registered geologist with MBA and experience at Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank, Namdeb, Skorpion Zinc Mine and Debmarine Namibia, replaces Veston Malango, who retires after 20 years leading the chamber.

    6 May 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 4 May

  1. GIPF board members earned N$666,000 in two months in sitting fees

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund paid its board of trustees chairperson Penda Ithindi N$114,000 for attending three meetings in two months, and Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga N$92,163 during the same period, according to payroll records reviewed by The Namibian. The payments have revived concerns that clustered board and sub-committee meetings have become a parallel income stream for trustees already drawing civil service or union salaries.

    4 May 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 19 April

  1. Fabian Shaanika appointed to Kudu Chemicals board

    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

Thursday 9 April

  1. Namdeb, NAMITVEST, MUN partner for mineworker investment access

    Namdeb, NAMITVEST Investment Holdings, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia have signed a Payroll Deduction Agreement enabling employees to invest in NAMITVEST products through automatic payroll deductions, aimed at improving financial inclusion and wealth building among mineworkers.

    9 April 2026 · New Era

Saturday 4 April

  1. Author encourages teens to read books over social media

    Victoria Shilongo, a 29-year-old author and evangelist, has published three books aimed at equipping teenagers with life skills and purpose through topics including emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and faith-based guidance. Shilongo, who leads a youth ministry initiative, says her books offer a holistic approach to personal growth and are designed to help young people think critically in an increasingly confusing world.

    4 April 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 8 March

  1. Women in Namibian mining: progress visible, barriers remain

    Women represent only 15–19% of the global mining workforce despite centuries of participation in the sector. In Namibia, progress is accelerating with more women in STEM fields, technical roles, and leadership positions, though sustained commitment to inclusion remains necessary.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 6 March

  1. Namdeb CEO warns of worst diamond market downturn

    Namdeb's CEO Riaan Burger said the company faces the most severe and long-lasting downturn in diamond market history, but expressed confidence the company will weather the crisis through cost restructuring, technological innovation, and diversification efforts including renewable energy adoption and supporting economic diversification in Oranjemund.

    6 March 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 25 February

  1. Synthetic diamonds threaten Namibia's government revenue, experts warn

    Anglo American's sharp devaluation of De Beers to US$2.3 billion reflects the diamond industry's struggles amid competition from lab-grown diamonds, which threatens Namibia's fiscal health since diamonds fund schools, hospitals and roads. Experts debate whether Namibia should invest in the sector as Anglo American seeks buyers, with some warning the industry faces long-term decline.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 16 January

  1. Namdia employee arrested in N$314.9 million diamond robbery

    A Namib Desert Diamonds employee has been arrested in connection with a diamond heist at the company's offices on 18 January 2025, bringing the total number of arrested employees to four. Diamonds valued at N$314.9 million were stolen in the robbery, which left two employees dead; N$40.6 million worth has so far been recovered.

    16 January 2026 · New Era

Thursday 8 January

  1. Search continues for 12-year-old swept into sea

    Police and a diving team from Namdeb Diamond Corporation are searching for a 12-year-old girl from Rosh Pinah who was swept into the ocean at Oranjemund during a fishing trip. The girl went missing in the water on January 7, and as of midday January 8 had not been recovered.

    8 January 2026 · Informanté

Namdeb — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute