Oranjemund:President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond at Namdeb's Southern Coastal Mine, marking it as the largest discovery of its kind at the site in the past twenty years.

According to NAMPA, the diamond was discovered on May 10, 2026, and is considered a significant milestone for Namdeb and a source of national pride for Namibia.

Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that this discovery reaffirms Namibia's status as a country rich in valuable natural resources and a leading producer of high-quality natural diamonds. She emphasized that mining remains a crucial sector for Namibia's economy, playing a key role in job creation and economic development.

The president also addressed global shifts in the diamond industry, such as changing consumer preferences, competition from lab-grown diamonds, and market fluctuations. She stressed the need for Namibia to remain innovative and responsive to these changes by positioning its diamonds in the global market based on their rarity, quality, and responsible sourcing.

Furthermore, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for increased engagement in the international diamond value chain, advocating for opportunities in cutting, polishing, jewelry manufacturing, and related industries, guided by economic viability, market demand, and available skills and technology.

She concluded by congratulating Namdeb and its employees on the discovery, urging the country to continue ensuring that its natural resources contribute to the shared prosperity of all Namibians.