Namibia has wholeheartedly welcomed a joint statement by the Republic of Botswana and the G7 Diamond Technical Team on 27 November 2024, announcing that Botswana will establish a certification point for diamond exports to G7 markets. Mines and energy minister, Tom Alweendo, this week stated that the establishment of export certification nodes in African countries supports the important principle that diamonds should be certified as close to the source as possible.
Alweendo noted that African diamond producing countries like Botswana, Namibia and Angola should be able to certify their own diamonds for trade with the G7.
“We also welcome the commitment made in the same statement that the G7 Diamond Technical Team will continue to engage other African diamond-producing countries such as Namibia and Angola with a view to setting up additional export certification nodes.
This is a step in the right direction. Such measures would ensure there are no disruptions to African trade in diamonds, in order to safeguard the stability of a key sector that is a cornerstone of the economies of our countries, providing vital jobs and much needed socioeconomic development,” he added via a media statement issued on Tuesday.
The minister continued that Namibia is also deeply committed to preserving the integrity of its sovereignty, advancing its economic developmental plans, and maintaining its technical capacity to manage its national resources in a responsible and sustainable manner for the benefit of current and future generations of Namibians.
“Our country, Namibia, is known for its responsible and transparent diamond governance and has put in place robust controls which provide for the effective provenance, traceability, certification and monitoring of rough diamonds, in line with the Kimberley Process. We firmly believe that by strengthening the existing Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and working together in partnership with the G7, we can achieve our shared goals of ethical trade and sustainable development,” Alweendo stated.
He further said Namibia looks forward to future engagements with the G7 Diamond Technical Team, following the latter’s familiarisation visit to Namibia from 8 to 10 September this year.
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia believes the only way to work together is in partnership, with mutual respect and through mutually beneficial relations. We stand ready to continue to engage the G7 on the basis of these important fundamental principles.
It is our hope that through continued dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation, we can ensure that our collective efforts lead to a more transparent, sustainable, and ethical global diamond trade,” the minister said.