Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo announced the 12-member Diamond Board of Namibia on Monday.

The Board represents the diamond industry and is selected on recommendation by industry stakeholders. They will serve on the board for three years, with their primary focus on advising the minister.

The Andre Messika Diamond has given shares to its employees worth N$180,000.

The company has a workforce of 75, of which 40% are people with disabilities.

Andre Messika Diamond is the largest employer of people with disabilities in the diamond sector.