Namdia defends client selection process

Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has defended selecting only five Namibian companies for its new diamond sales cycle amid claims the decision has led to factory closures and job losses.

It is understood that 11 Namibian companies applied to be selected as Namdia clients for the 2026-2029 diamond sales cycle.

“Namdia operates with a limited allocation of diamonds and must balance local participation with its primary mandate of achieving optimal price discovery and maximising value for the government and people of Namibia,” Namdia spokesperson Beverley Coussement said yesterday.

According to Coussement, applicants were assessed on annual turnover, financial capability, industry experience, branding and collaboration proposals, as well as local beneficiation and ownership.