International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo has praised Namibia’s downstream diamond industry for its contribution to employment, skills development and sustainable economic growth following a visit to a local diamond cutting and polishing facility.
Houngbo visited Finestar Jewellery & Diamonds Namibia during an official tour co-hosted by Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) and Finestar Namibia.
The delegation, led by Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel, toured the factory to observe Namibia’s diamond beneficiation operations and their role in creating skilled employment.
During the visit, Houngbo commended the working conditions at the facility and Namibia’s governance framework, describing it as an important foundation for responsible business practices, decent work and sustainable economic growth.
Representing the NAMDIA Board of Directors, Dr Shihaleni Ndjaba said the company is committed to ensuring Namibia’s natural resources generate lasting value through downstream processing and strategic partnerships rather than simply marketing and selling rough diamonds.
He said the approach is central to NAMDIA’s mandate as it marks its tenth anniversary.
Immanuel commended NAMDIA and Finestar for their contribution to employment creation, skills development and the Namibian economy before introducing the ILO Director-General.
NAMDIA said the visit highlighted the growing importance of Namibia’s downstream diamond industry in creating skilled jobs, supporting beneficiation and strengthening collaboration between government and industry to promote sustainable economic development.
