Also known as: Robin Shebourne · economist Robin Shebourne
Economist appearing in coverage of Namibia's resource sector, diamond trade policy, and fiscal challenges related to oil and export dependency.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Economist Robin Sherbourne analyzed Namibia's trade with major partners
“Economist Robin Sherbourne's latest analysis of Namibia's trade with its major partners shows that 80% of exports by value is made up of just four products, two of which are produced in the Erongo region.”
Erongo drives Namibia’s exportsThe Namibian
Sherbourne stated Erongo is driving our economy
“"Erongo is driving our economy," Sherbourne told The Namibian yesterday.”
Erongo drives Namibia’s exportsThe Namibian
Robin Sherbourne advised Namibia to consider buying out Namdeb and selling diamonds independently of De Beers
“Economist Robin Sherbourne has advised Namibia to consider buying out Namdeb and selling its high-quality natural diamonds independently of the De Beers system.”
Diamond breakup: Namibia told to dump De BeersWindhoek Observer
Robin Sherbourne said the move was a big bet on the future of natural diamonds
“Commenting on the announcement, local economist, Robin Sherbourne, said the move was a big bet on the future of natural diamonds.”
De Beers CEO says sale could be completed within weeksInformanté
Robin Sherbourne highlighted EU exports data during Second Namibia-EU Business Forum
“This was highlighted by Robin Sherbourne, an EU consultant and independent economist, during the Second Namibia-EU Business Forum, held in Windhoek from 11 to 13 May 2026 under the theme "Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies: Catalysing Business and Trade Opportunities between the EU and Namibia."”
Namibia’s EU exports hit N$17.6 billion in 2025, creating more than 46,000 jobsInformanté
Robin Sherbourne reported 46,762 jobs created in Namibia from EU exports in 2025
“He reported that 46,762 jobs were created in Namibia in 2025 as a result of exports to the EU.”
Namibia’s EU exports hit N$17.6 billion in 2025, creating more than 46,000 jobsThe Namibian
Robin Sherbourne presented a briefing paper on the national budget at the Institute for Public Policy Research on 13 March briefing paper on national budget at Institute for Public Policy Research on 13 March
“Sherbourne presented a briefing paper on the national budget at the Institute for Public Policy Research in Windhoek on 13 March to civil society, policymakers and the media.”
Budget shows fiscal caution ahead of oil decisionNew Era
Robin Sherbourne said Namdeb has played an important role in Namibia's post-independence economy.
“Economist Robin Sherbourne, who authored a new book on the company's history, said Namdeb has played an important role in Namibia's post-independence economy.”
Namdeb braces for sales slumpThe Namibian
Economist Robin Sherbourne warns Namibia's financial policy is at a crossroads with potential oil revenues looming
“Economist Robin Sherbourne warns that Namibia's financial policy is at a crossroads with potential oil revenues looming over the government's finances.”
Economist warns of oil effect on fiscal policyThe Namibian
Sherbourne said if TotalEnergies makes a final investment decision on Venus project, it will affect investors' perception of Namibia's credit-worthiness
“But if TotalEnergies makes a final investment decision to go ahead with its Venus project this year, it will affect investors' perception of Namibia's credit-worthiness, said Sherbourne.”
Economist warns of oil effect on fiscal policyNamdeb 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.
13 hours ago · The Namibian →
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.
13 hours ago · The Namibian →
Namibia's economy is heavily dependent on products from the Erongo region, with 80% of exports by value comprising just four products, two produced there. Economist Robin Sherbourne notes that uranium and gold have become key sectors replacing diamonds, and says the country needs economic diversification, particularly through development of Walvis Bay as an oil and gas hub.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
Namibia exported N$90.4 billion in goods in 2025, with N$17.6 billion going to the EU, supporting 46,762 jobs. Exports to six EU member states (Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Germany) accounted for 95% of Namibian EU exports, with products including fish, uranium, meat, fruit, charcoal, crustaceans, diamonds, and ores.
14 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's 2026/27 budget reflects finance minister Ericah Shafudah's fiscal caution as the country awaits a final investment decision on TotalEnergies' Venus oil project, expected mid-2026. Economist Robin Sherbourne described the budget as a "holding operation" in a constrained economic outlook, though he warned that reduced development spending may limit growth despite the budget's focus on "People, Productivity and Prudence."
23 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Economist Robin Sherbourne cautions that anticipated oil revenues from TotalEnergies' Venus project could enable Namibia to borrow heavily against future earnings, risking unsustainable public spending rather than supporting long-term growth. He urges the finance minister to maintain fiscal restraint as the country awaits a final investment decision on the project.
25 February 2026 · The Namibian →