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.
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The Namibian
Robin Sherbourne released report saying Namcor's track record has not been good
“Sherbourne, in a report released yesterday by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), says good governance will play a critical role in ensuring Namibia's oil and gas discoveries are to the country's benefit.”
Namcor’s management woes threaten emerging oil industry – economistNamdeb 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.
14 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.
14 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 →