The diamond, named ‘Owishi’, was discovered on 10 May 2026. Its name is drawn from Oshiwambo and refers to a rare type of honey found underground, known for being particularly difficult to locate. The name reflects the exceptional rarity associated with the stone.
Speaking at the unveiling, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah positioned the discovery within the broader importance of diamond mining to the country’s economy and development. She said the stone further demonstrates Namibia’s ability to produce high-quality, gem-grade natural diamonds.
The unveiling also comes at a time of significant change across the global diamond market. Changing consumer preferences, price volatility and the growing presence of laboratory-grown diamonds are reshaping how natural diamonds compete for consumer attention.
Against this backdrop, Nandi Ndaitwah called for greater emphasis on the qualities that distinguish Namibia’s natural diamonds, particularly their authenticity, provenance and rarity.
She also highlighted Namibia’s 50/50 partnership between the government and De Beers Group as an example of public-private collaboration in developing the country’s diamond resources.
Beyond mining, the President called for Namibia to capture a greater share of the diamond value chain domestically. This includes developing commercially viable capabilities in cutting, polishing and jewellery manufacturing, allowing more value generated by the country’s diamonds to remain within Namibia.
The message around Owishi therefore extends beyond the significance of a single large stone. For Namibia, the discovery comes at a moment when diamond-producing countries are increasingly looking at how provenance, local value creation and differentiation can strengthen the position of natural diamonds in a changing market.
Nandi Ndaitwah stressed that Namibia’s mineral wealth should ultimately be judged by the economic and social value it creates for the country and its people.
