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Namibia’s hopes of becoming a G7-recognized diamond certification hub hang in the balance, with a final decision deferred until February 2025. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed that discussions are ongoing, with a recent G7 technical mission visiting Namibia to assess the country’s readiness for the crucial designation.
The G7’s diamond certification scheme hinges on stringent criteria, demanding transparency and adherence to operational best practices. Namibia, eager to be recognized as a single certification node within this framework, presented its case to the visiting delegation.
However, Namibia’s aspirations are currently overshadowed by Botswana’s pilot program. The G7 intends to establish Botswana as a test case, with the learnings from this initial implementation guiding their strategy for other African nations, including Namibia.
“We will continue with our existing diamond certification strategies until a final decision is made,” assured Penda Ithindi, Executive Director in the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Namibia is adopting a wait-and-see approach, awaiting further developments following the conclusion of Botswana’s pilot phase.
The G7 has set a tentative deadline of February 6, 2025, for further deliberations on Namibia’s application. This delay has prompted calls for patience from Namibian authorities.
Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has expressed his support for the recent joint statement between Botswana and the G7 Diamond Technical Team. This agreement paves the way for Botswana to establish a G7-approved diamond export certification point, a significant development for the region.
More importantly, the statement underscores the G7’s commitment to engage with other African diamond producers like Namibia and Angola regarding the establishment of additional certification nodes. This commitment aligns with Namibia’s long-held belief that diamonds should be certified as close to the source as possible.
Minister Alweendo emphasized Namibia’s reputation for responsible and transparent diamond governance. The country has implemented robust controls to ensure the provenance, traceability, certification, and monitoring of rough diamonds, adhering fully to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Namibia envisions a future where the Kimberley Process is strengthened through collaboration with the G7. This partnership, the Minister believes, holds the key to achieving shared goals of ethical trade and sustainable development within the African diamond industry.
Namibia’s recent engagement with the G7 Diamond Technical Team, marked by a familiarization visit in September 2024, has fostered a spirit of partnership. The Namibian government remains confident that a collaborative approach, built on mutual respect and mutually beneficial relations, is the key to a successful outcome.
As February 2025 approaches, Namibia waits with cautious optimism. The G7’s decision will have a significant impact on the future of the country’s diamond industry, potentially positioning Namibia as a key player in the ethical and sustainable diamond trade.
By: Denise Mudawarima
