Namdeb Unveils 176-Carat Diamond, Largest Discovery in Two Decades

By: Johanna N. Festus

Namdeb has unveiled the largest diamond it has discovered in two decades, marking a significant milestone for Namibia’s diamond industry.

The rare 176.29-carat natural diamond, discovered in May this year, has been named “Owishi”, a reference to subterranean wild honey in local tradition.

The gem was officially unveiled in Windhoek this week by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia must emphasise the “rarity, authenticity, quality, and responsible provenance” of its diamonds while ensuring that the wealth generated from the country’s mineral resources translates into tangible and shared prosperity for Namibians.

Namibia has a long-established diamond mining industry, with diamonds forming an important part of the country’s mineral economy. The sector is dominated by Namdeb, a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of Namibia and De Beers, and has historically been centred on diamond mining along Namibia’s southern Atlantic coast.

Over the years, the country has developed a reputation for producing high-quality diamonds, particularly from its marine and coastal deposits. As land-based resources have matured, offshore diamond mining has become increasingly important to Namibia’s production, with specialised vessels recovering diamonds from the seabed.

The discovery of Owishi comes against this evolving backdrop, highlighting the continued potential of Namibia’s diamond resources and the value of technological innovation in accessing them.

At 176.29 carats, Owishi stands out not only for its size but also for its rarity, adding a high-profile discovery to Namibia’s diamond heritage and reinforcing the importance of the sector to the country’s mining industry.