The Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) hosted its Enterprise Development Programme (EDP) graduation ceremony on Tuesday.
The event, which took place in Windhoek, was launched in 2022 to help businesses in the diamond industry grow and expand through a sponsored business development programme.
The aim of the programme is to develop citizen-owned cutting and polishing businesses outside of the sightholder programme, which unlocks opportunities.
According to an NDTC press release, the training was conducted by industry leader Raizcorp, a South African-based business development training institution.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, NDTC CEO Brent Eiseb expressed his gratitude to the graduates.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of Dash Diamonds and Tate Diamonds, respectively, our two EDP beneficiaries. Your respective journeys through the Razcorp Business and Leadership Development Programme have equipped you with the necessary tools, skills and insights to thrive in and transform the diamond industry.
“You are not just business leaders; you are pioneers of a new era for Namibia. Throughout this tailored programme, you’ve undergone intensive training, covering everything from technical skills in diamond processing to the intricacies of global market dynamics and sustainable business practices,” he said.
He added: “This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared to lead with integrity and innovation. Your respective journeys within the diamond industry have just begun. NDTC has exposed you to new opportunities, but you need to take these opportunities and grow your businesses to the next level.
“We would like to see Namibian diamond entrepreneurs showcasing their jewellery at the Las Vegas Diamond Show and the Hong Kong Diamond Show, just to mention a few examples. With the EDP programme, NDTC is teaching you how to crawl in this industry, but you need to take ownership and learn how to walk, and eventually how to run the race, with all the others, in this competitive and challenging industry,” he said.
NDTC board chairperson Estelle Tjipuka commended the programme’s vision to empower Namibians and foster entrepreneurship.
“Today, we see the fruits of that vision. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of Dash Diamonds and Tate Diamonds, respectively, our two EDP beneficiaries. Your respective journeys through the Razcorp Business and Leadership Development Programme have equipped you with the necessary tools, skills and insights to thrive in and transform the diamond industry.
“You are not just business leaders; you are pioneers of a new era for Namibia. Throughout this tailored programme, you’ve undergone intensive training, covering everything from technical skills in diamond processing to the intricacies of global market dynamics and sustainable business practices.
“This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared to lead with integrity and innovation. Your respective journeys within the diamond industry have just begun. NDTC has exposed you to the opportunities, but you need to take these opportunities and grow your businesses to the next level,” Tjipuka said.
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