Gemstone graduates honoured

Turning point for local gemstone industry
The 44 graduates successfully completed a rigorous gemstone cutting and polishing course, equipping them with valuable skills that can drive the growth and sustainability of the local gemstone industry.
Jemimah Ndebele
  • 11 Months Ago
In a significant development for the Namibian gemstone industry, 44 young Namibians graduated from the Namibian Gemstone Training Centre on 16 May.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 44 young Namibians who successfully completed the rigorous gemstone cutting and polishing course, equipping them with valuable skills that can drive the growth and sustainability of the local gemstone industry.

The event, which took place in Windhoek, highlighted the importance of skills development in a sector where 90% of gemstones currently leave the country in their rough form.

The exportation of unprocessed gemstones not only leads to job losses but also deprives the local economy of potential revenue. Recognising this problem, the industrialisation and trade ministry established the Gemstone Training Centre in Karibib, Erongo Region, in 2019.

Equipped for jobs

Industrialisation and trade minister Lucia Iipumbu praised the graduates for their hard work and dedication during their training.

"I am very happy to be here to witness 44 young Namibians, 25, or more than half of who are women, being presented with their graduation certificates."

She said the graduates will undoubtedly play a critical role in the growth strategy of Namibia's jewellery and coloured gemstone industries, and related value chains.

Iipumbu added that it is only through such innovative and targeted measures that the Namibian economy can become more self-reliant.

Global player

The significance of the graduation ceremony goes beyond the acquisition of skills. It represents a turning point for the Namibian gemstone industry, as the trained graduates can now contribute to the local economy by engaging in value-adding activities. By ensuring that more gemstones are cut and polished within the country, Namibia can retain a greater share of the industry's revenue and create employment opportunities for its citizens.

The Gemstone Training Centre's efforts align with the government's broader agenda of economic diversification and reducing dependence on traditional sectors. By developing local expertise in gemstone cutting and polishing, Namibia aims to position itself as a global player in the value-added gemstone market, attracting investment and driving economic growth.

POLISHED: 44 young individuals have completed an intensive course in gemstone cutting and polishing, equipping them with the skills to contribute to the growth of the local jewelry industry.

Photo: Contributed