Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Tuesday, 6 October 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 Mine

Namdeb Diamond Corporation — operates Namibia's Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund and discovered a 176-carat diamond in May 2026, the country's largest in two decades.

2022-10-122026-10-06

What’s been said

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

July 2026
1 JulWindhoek 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
June 2026
11 JunThe 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’
5 JunThe Namibian
Namdeb operates within the park
Source
“Namdeb operates within the park.”
Protected habitat helps brown hyenas flourish
5 JunThe Namibian
Namdeb provides support to Brown Hyena Research Project
Source
“The project is a conservation initiative operating in the Lüderitz area with support from diamond mining company Namdeb and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.”
Protected habitat helps brown hyenas flourish
5 JunWindhoek Observer
Namdeb produced 647,181 carats over the same year
Source
“Namdeb's land operations, meanwhile, produced 647,181 carats over the same year.”
De Beers doubles down on natural diamonds with new campaign
May 2026
12 MayThe Namibian
Namdeb secured revenue from diamonds through strategic partnerships maintaining state participation
Source
“Through partnerships such as Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia, Namibia has maintained strong state participation and secured significant revenue from diamonds.”
How Namibia Can Get Its Resource Wealth Right
April 2026
9 AprNew Era
Namdeb united with NAMITVEST Investment Holdings and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia to improve access to investment opportunities for mineworkers
Source
“Namdeb, NAMITVEST Investment Holdings, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) have united to improve access to investment opportunities for mineworkers.”
Namdeb, NAMITVEST, MUN drive mining investment
March 2026
6 MarNew Era
Namdeb is reviewing its operations to remain competitive.
Source
“He said the current slump in diamond demand is severe and long-lasting, but the company is already reviewing its operations to remain competitive.”
Namdeb braces for sales slump
January 2026
8 JanInformanté
Namdeb Diamond Corporation is continuing search for 12-year-old girl swept into ocean at Oranjemund
Source
“The Acting Regional Commander of the //Kharas Region, Deputy Commissioner Gertruida !Kharuxab, has said that police, as well as a diving team from the Namdeb Diamond Corporation, are continuing their search for a 12-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean at Oranjemund.”
Search continues for 12-year-old swept into ocean at Oranjemund
May 2024
18 MayThe Namibian
Namdeb is country's single biggest taxpayer
Source
“Diamonds made Namdeb our country's single biggest taxpayer; the company and its subsidiaries are completely managed by Namibians; its employees are among the best skilled and highly paid in the country.”
Of State Shareholding in Oil

Mining & Energy

IPC shadow minister demands parliament briefing on De Beers sale

The News

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.

9 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

IPC shadow minister demands parliament briefing on De Beers sale
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.
9 hours ago · The Namibian →
Parliamentary committee flags labour concerns at five mining regions
A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised concerns over outsourcing, job insecurity, occupational safety, retrenchments and inadequate worker benefits following oversight visits to mining operations in Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Erongo, //Kharas and Khomas regions, and recommends strict monitoring of subcontractors.
16 hours ago · New Era →
Diamond Valuation Fund cash holdings rose to N$132.3 million
The Diamond Valuation Fund increased its cash holdings by N$39.5 million to N$132.3 million in 2024, despite a revenue decline to N$109.7 million from N$145.2 million, attributed mainly to fluctuations in levies from entities including Namdeb Holdings. The Auditor-General issued a qualified audit opinion citing accounting and compliance shortcomings, including the fund's failure to disclose a royalty relief arrangement granted to Namdeb under the Minerals Act.
19 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 3 October

Mineworkers union demands Namdeb recognise elected chairperson
Namdeb branch members of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia staged a demonstration demanding that the company recognise their newly elected branch chairperson, Laina Festus, who secured 510 votes in elections held from 18 to 31 August. The union argues that Namdeb's withdrawal of Festus's recognition as a part-time shop steward does not disqualify her from serving as branch chairperson, and is challenging allegations of misconduct against her that remain before the Office of the Labour Commissioner.
3 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 2 October

176-carat diamond discovered at Namdeb's Southern Coastal Mine
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 →

Thursday 1 October

Namdeb recovers largest diamond in two decades
Namdeb has unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond, the largest stone recovered at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund in the past two decades. The diamond was recovered on 10 May and officially unveiled in Windhoek on Thursday.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namdeb discovers largest Namibian diamond in 20 years
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 →

Wednesday 30 September

President unveils 176-carat diamond found in Oranjemund
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 →

Monday 28 September

Skeleton Basin appoints Mertens as board chairman
Skeleton Basin Investments Limited has appointed three independent non-executive directors, including Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Willy Mertens as chairman of the board, effective 25 September 2026.
28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 16 September

Fisheries minister challenges environmental commissioner's marine phosphate approval
Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani is demanding the revocation of an Environment Clearance Certificate issued by environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti to Namibian Marine Phosphate for its Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project off Namibia's west coast, arguing that Mufeti failed to properly consult her ministry before granting the approval on 5 August 2026.
16 September 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 25 August

ECB says Namibia's electricity network overall satisfactory
The Electricity Control Board reports that Namibia's high-voltage backbone operated by NamPower is well maintained and reliable, but distribution networks delivering power to homes and businesses need improvement, according to findings in the 2024/2025 National Electricity Infrastructure Status Report.
25 August 2026 · Informanté →
Regional electricity distributors outperform councils in network management
The Electricity Control Board's 2024/25 infrastructure report finds that regional electricity distributors run electricity distribution networks better than local and regional councils, with concerns identified particularly in areas where councils manage distribution rather than dedicated companies.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
ECB threatens to revoke electricity licences from underperforming councils
The Electricity Control Board has warned it will revoke electricity distribution licences from underperforming municipalities and regional councils and transfer networks to operators with proven capacity, following an audit that found widespread non-compliance across Namibia's power infrastructure. The audit of nine distribution licensees found most networks rated poor due to inadequate safety code implementation and substandard maintenance, with ||Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke regions carrying the highest compliance risk.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
ECB audit rates most regional electricity infrastructure poor
An Electricity Control Board audit of Namibia's electricity distribution infrastructure found that most regions have poor infrastructure, with //Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke facing high risk of continued non-compliance. Only Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions were classified as satisfactory.
25 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 18 August

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

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

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 →
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 →
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 →
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

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

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 →