The Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) continues to make a significant impact on local entrepreneurship, with the company supporting the creation or preservation of over 987 jobs through its Olafika SME Development programme.
NDTC CEO Brent Eiseb said 340 entrepreneurs across all 14 regions of Namibia have benefitted from the programme, underscoring NDTC’s commitment to fostering economic growth and citizen-owned cutting and polishing businesses.
Meanwhile, Eiseb awarded certification to several SMEs who completed the Diamantaire Enterprise Development Programme (EDP), launched in November 2022.
This programme specifically targets the development of citizen-owned cutting and polishing businesses outside of the Sightholder programme. Among the recipients, two are from Dash Diamonds and one from Tate Diamonds.
“Through this programme, NDTC is contributing to the creation of opportunities for Namibian citizens to meaningfully participate in the diamond value chain as owners, not just employees,” Eiseb stated.
NDTC Board Chairperson Estelle Tjipuka commended the graduates of the EDP.
Tjipuka praised the graduates’ journeys through the EDP which equipped them with the necessary tools, skills, and insights to thrive in the diamond industry.
She encouraged the graduates to take ownership of their businesses and strive for excellence in the competitive industry. She emphasised the broader impact of their success, highlighting their role in driving economic progression and sustainable growth in Namibia.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in NDTC’s efforts to promote local entrepreneurship and ownership within the diamond sector.
The training was conducted by an industry leader Raizcorp, a company with extensive experience in the training of diamantaires within the De Beers Group of Companies.
The curriculum covered entrepreneurial learning and also included one-on-one business guidance.
