Botswana's Minister of Mineral Resources and Green Technology, Lefoko Moagi, paid a courtesy call on President Nangolo Mbumba at State House.

Moagi, who is also a special envoy of President Mokgweetsi Masisi, is in Namibia for consultations with the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

The consultations follow decisions by the G7 to introduce import restrictions on non-industrial diamonds, mined, processed, or produced in Russia, by January this year.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, is concerned about the G7 nations' proposal to ban the sale of Russian diamonds.

This, Alweendo says, could have implications for African diamond-producing countries, including Namibia.

Earlier this year, the G7 announced consideration to restrict the sale of non-industrial diamonds mined, processed, or produced in Russia by January 1, 2024, followed further by phase restrictions on the import of Russian diamonds processed in third countries by March 1, 2024.

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy says there are no diamonds at the Old Toscanini mine in Skeleton Coast Park, in the Kunene Region.

According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, companies have been exploring diamonds in the area since the 1950s.

Ya Otto Investment Holdings is the third company to be given two exploration licences, and the ministry says activities started in November last year until March 2023, when the licence expired.

Maritime transport constitutes approximately 85 percent of Namibia's domestic trade, with marine diamonds being the leading commodity and the largest contributor to the country's GDP. 

President Hage Geingob highlighted in a statement, commemorating World Oceans Day, an officially recognized day by the United Nations.

President Geingob highlighted the significance of oceans for human life on Earth and specifically for Namibia, as they serve as a remarkable tourism gateway to the country's stunning coastline where the desert uniquely meets the ocean.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says Namibia should ensure optimal value for its natural resources such as diamonds to increase revenue, create jobs and reduce poverty.

The Premier said this during her first visit to Namib Desert Diamonds.

The Premiere says as Namibia continues to ensure price discovery for its diamonds, the high returns from the mineral will improve the well-being of citizens as well as create space for individuals outside the sector to benefit.