Namibia has unveiled a 176.29-carat natural diamond discovered by NAMDEB at the Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund, with President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah describing the stone as a significant milestone for the country’s diamond industry.
Christened “Owishi”, the diamond was discovered on 10 May 2026 and is the largest diamond of its kind recovered at the Southern Coastal Mine in the past two decades. The name refers in Oshiwambo to a rare form of honey found underground that is notoriously difficult to locate, reflecting the exceptional rarity of the stone.
At the unveiling, President Nandi Ndaitwah highlighted the role of mining in Namibia’s economy and its contribution to national development. She said the discovery reinforced Namibia’s position as a leading producer of high-quality, gem-grade natural diamonds.
The President also pointed to the changing dynamics of the global diamond market, including shifting consumer preferences, international price fluctuations and growing competition from laboratory-grown diamonds. She called on Namibia’s diamond industry to strengthen the global positioning of its natural diamonds by emphasising their authenticity, provenance and rarity.
Nandi Ndaitwah cited Namibia’s 50/50 partnership between the Government and De Beers Group as an example of public-private cooperation in developing the country’s natural resources. She also urged the industry to expand Namibia’s participation in the global diamond value chain through commercially viable domestic cutting, polishing and jewellery manufacturing.
The President stressed that the value of Namibia’s diamond resources should ultimately be measured by their contribution to the country and its people, with greater emphasis on translating mineral wealth into shared prosperity.