According to Idexonline Newsroom, Namibia’ Diamond Manufacturers Association (DiaMAN) is to become the 15th member of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), making it the third African country with membership in IDMA.



The membership proves the growing strength in Namibia’s diamond manufacturing abilities, said IDMA President, Moti Ganz.



"Namibia's membership adds yet another cornerstone to our organization, and by joining South Africa and Botswana, strengthens the African membership within IDMA," Ganz said.



Namibia signed an agreement in 2007 with the Diamond Trading Company agreeing to supply local manufacturers in Namibia with US$300 million worth of diamonds by 2009. Since the agreement, several DTC Sight holders have opened diamond polishing plants in the country, creating welcomed additional jobs in the local diamonds industry.



South Africa and Botswana make up the two other African nations with IDMA.