Government means business in gem cutting and polishing

Namibia means business in its efforts to develop a diamond cutting and polishing industry, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Joseph Iita said in Luanda this week. Iita, in his address this week to the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) constitutive conference, said Namibia is a good model of how Africans can take charge of the destiny of their natural resources. “We have put together bold and robust policy and legislation to help actualise our diamond vision,” said Iita.

Iita said currently Namibia can boast of having established and commissioned seven diamond cutting factories, one in which government owns a 50% stake. He said more factories are about to be established. “But we are not resting on our laurels. We want more. We also want to see jewellery being manufactured in Namibia with platinum, gold and other gemstones from Africa. Not only that, we also want to see Namibian and other African women adorned with diamonds with diamonds and other precious gems and minerals. Why not?” said Iita.

Iita said African diamond producers were being continuously reminded that they should not bother about cutting and polishing their diamonds supposedly because they cannot compete with India and China. Through ADPA, Namibia hopes to share its experience and also learn from other African diamond producers.