President unveils 176.29 carat diamond, names it ‘Owishi’

Namdeb Diamond Corporation unveiled an exceptional 176.29 carat natural diamond at a ceremony officiated by President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Recovered from Namdeb’s Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund, the stone represents the largest diamond of its kind discovered at the mine in the past two decades.

The event brought together representatives of Government, the Namdeb Board and executive leadership, Namdeb Holdings Board, NDTC executive leadership, the De Beers Group, members of the media and other key stakeholders to celebrate a discovery that reflects Namibia’s rich natural heritage and the enduring value of its natural diamonds.

Speaking at the unveiling, President Nandi-Ndaitwah named the diamond Owishi, drawing inspiration from a special type of honey found underground, prized for its rarity and celebrated when discovered.

Much like a natural diamond, this honey is regarded as a treasured find. The name captures the joy and significance of this exceptional discovery and will carry a distinctly Namibian story wherever the stone’s journey takes it.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah described the discovery as a significant milestone for Namdeb and a source of immense pride for Namibia and its people. She highlighted the mining industry’s role as a critical enabler of national development, with opportunities to create jobs and generate revenue to support education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure.

Against a changing global diamond market, the President called for innovation, adaptability and the pursuit of commercially viable opportunities in cutting, polishing, jewellery manufacturing and related industries, guided by market demand, appropriate skills and technology.

“May this discovery renew our commitment to ensuring that the wealth beneath our soil becomes a source of shared prosperity for all Namibians,” the Head of State said.

Namdeb’s Board Chairperson Mr Alex Gawanab described the discovery as more than a remarkable mining achievement, saying it demonstrated the enduring value of natural diamonds and the contribution of the partnership between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the De Beers Group.

The Chairperson also paid tribute to Namdeb employees, acknowledging the expertise, discipline and dedication behind the safe and responsible recovery of Namibia’s diamonds.

“Behind this extraordinary discovery are the hands, expertise, discipline and dedication of the Namdeb men and women who safely recover Namibia’s diamonds every day,” Gawanab said.

The discovery comes at a challenging time for the global natural diamond industry and provides an opportunity to share the story of the people, communities and national development supported by responsibly recovered natural diamonds.

In the photo: President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah viewing the diamond through a loop.