Namibia may be famous for producing the world's highest-quality diamonds, but it is not a country where giant gems routinely emerge from the earth. That makes a newly unveiled 176.29-carat natural diamond an especially remarkable find — and a glittering reminder that Namibia’s diamond story is built more on excellence than sheer size.
Named “Owishi,” the diamond was recovered by Namdeb at its Southern Coastal Mine in Oranjemund on May 10, 2026. The stone was officially unveiled September 30 by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who described it as the largest diamond of its kind recovered at the operation in two decades.
The name adds a distinctly Namibian touch. “Owishi” is an Oshiwambo word for a rare form of honey found underground and notoriously difficult to locate — an apt description for a diamond that reflects such an unexpected discovery.
While neighboring Botswana is increasingly associated with spectacular 1,000-carat-plus discoveries, Namibia has carved out a different niche. It ranks eighth globally in diamond production volume and fifth in total production value, but its rough diamonds command the highest average value per carat of any producing country. In 2024, that figure was about $417 per carat, reflecting the exceptional gem quality of Namibian production.
That distinction helps explain why Owishi is so significant. A 176-carat diamond would be noteworthy anywhere, but in Namibia its size is especially unusual. Its ultimate value, however, won't be determined by carat weight alone. Industry estimates for the rough stone range from about $5 million to more than $25 million, depending on its clarity, color and the amount and quality of polished diamond it can yield. Namdeb has not announced whether the stone will be sold by auction, tender or another method.
For Namibia, Owishi represents more than a spectacular piece of rough. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the broader economic importance of the diamond industry, calling mining the country's “number one critical enabler” and noting that mineral wealth can generate revenue for education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure.
“May this discovery renew our commitment to ensuring that the wealth beneath our soil becomes a source of shared prosperity for all Namibians,” she said.
The President also urged Namibia to capture more value from its diamonds through domestic cutting, polishing and jewelry manufacturing.
Namdeb Diamond Corporation is part of Namdeb Holdings, a 50/50 partnership between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group. Its land-based operations are centered near Oranjemund and Namibia’s southwestern coast, where diamonds occur in deposits shaped by the region’s extraordinary geological and marine history.
Credit: Photo of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah with the Owishi diamond via Facebook.com/Namibian Presidency.