Mines and Energy Minister Natangue Ithete says Namibia’s diamond industry continues to hold significant potential for socio-economic development, despite global market challenges.

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has warned the government against auctioning fishing quotas.

Its Chairperson, Matti Amukwa, said the approach discourages the nationalisation of the industry.

Amukwa was speaking at the annual fishing industry address at Walvis Bay.

Former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhardt Esau has refuted claims that the fishing corruption scandal has resulted in an estimated 18 000 job losses in the fishing industry.

Esau maintained that the job losses were a result of the illegal strike the workers undertook.