Andre Messika Diamonds has announced a N$180 000 distribution to its employees, who also serve as shareholders in the company.
The Namibian-based cutting and polishing factory made the distribution despite what the company described as unprecedented headwinds facing the global diamond industry in 2025.
The company, which was founded in 2007, operates with an employee shareholding model, involving that staff members collectively own a 25% stake through a share participation trust.
Company director Marc Friedman says this distribution celebrates employees’ shared ownership and commitment, reinforcing the company’s vision of being a sustainable, inclusive, and proudly Namibian leader in the global diamond industry.
“Our employees are not just workers, they are owners. This distribution is a recognition of their hard work, loyalty, and belief in this company,” he says.
The company currently has 71 employees of which 90% are Namibians.
One of the trustees, Joseph Kunyenga, says the shareholding model will give employees a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
“Serving as a trustee for our shareholders participation trust has been a privilege. What moves me most is seeing the change in our people.
Their commitment is no longer just about the work they do – it’s about the pride of ownership,” he says.
The company introduced the shareholding model in 2023 as a way to promote local ownership and participation in the industry.
Andre Messika is a supplier of polished diamonds globally and set up a factory in Namibia in 2020, giving it direct access to De Beers’ rough diamonds.
The diamantaire has partnered with Schachter & Namdar Asia (SN Asia), which held the licence for the factory since 2006.
The companies tested the joint venture in 2019 and formalised the arrangement in 2020.
The factory relies on diamonds from the Namibia Diamond Trading Company – a joint venture between De Beers and the Namibian government.
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