Staff Reporter
TWENTY-EIGHT trainees representing all 14 regions of Namibia have begun a six-month gemstone cutting and polishing programme at the Karibib Gemstone Training Centre, a government-backed initiative aimed at developing specialised skills, promoting value addition, and creating opportunities within the country’s mining sector.
The trainees gathered in Karibib this week for a two-day induction programme organised by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), marking the start of their training journey in gemstone cutting and polishing.
The programme forms part of government efforts to equip young Namibians with the technical expertise needed to transform locally mined gemstones into finished, market-ready products, thereby increasing value addition and supporting industrialisation.
Photos: Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy – MIME
During the induction, participants were introduced to the expectations, professional standards, workplace conduct, safety procedures, compliance requirements and administrative processes that will guide them throughout the six-month course.
Officials said the induction is designed not only to orientate trainees but also to instil the discipline, commitment and professionalism required to succeed in a highly specialised industry.
Addressing the new intake, Deputy Director of Regional Economic Development, Pinehas Shinyala, encouraged the trainees to embrace discipline, teamwork, excellence and perseverance.
He emphasised that the programme offers more than technical training, describing it as an opportunity for participants to build sustainable careers, create businesses, support their families and contribute to Namibia’s broader industrialisation agenda.
“We need to sharpen our understanding and ensure that we move together as a team towards achieving certification in gemstone cutting and polishing,” Shinyala said.
A key part of the induction programme was an interactive tour of the training centre led by head trainer Naresh Kumar, who familiarised participants with the gemstone cutting and polishing equipment they will use during the course.
One trainee expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying the programme would allow participants to expand their skills and potentially create products for international markets.
The Karibib Gemstone Training Centre plays a central role in Namibia’s efforts to develop local expertise in gemstone processing, reduce reliance on exporting raw minerals, and create greater economic value from the country’s natural resources.
Upon completion of the programme, trainees are expected to receive certification and contribute to the growth of Namibia’s gemstone beneficiation industry.
