By Staff Reporter
President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged Namibia’s mining industry to move beyond discussions and accelerate the implementation of commitments aimed at creating jobs, promoting value addition and driving inclusive economic growth.
Officially opening the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek, the President described the event as a vital platform for strengthening partnerships, attracting investment and advancing collaboration among key stakeholders in the mining sector.
The three-day mining expo and conference, held from 4 to 6 August 2026, brings together government representatives, mining executives, investors, suppliers and industry experts to deliberate on the future direction of Namibia’s mineral sector.
Following the official opening, President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the exhibition floor, engaging with exhibitors and learning more about the technologies, innovations and investment opportunities being showcased.
Addressing delegates, the Nandi-Ndaitwah said mining remains one of the key pillars of Namibia’s economy and an important contributor towards achieving the Eighth Administration’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs through the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
She highlighted the sector’s continued resilience despite global economic pressures, noting that mining contributed 14 percent to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generated N$7.8 billion in tax revenue during 2025, reflecting a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also welcomed the increased confidence shown by investors and industry players, pointing to the record participation of 222 exhibitors at this year’s Mining Expo.
The exhibitors include local businesses, regional companies and international investors seeking opportunities within Namibia’s growing mineral sector.
Emphasising the importance of turning commitments into measurable results, the Nandi-Ndaitwah said the mining industry had committed to creating more than 18,000 direct employment opportunities and facilitating US$2.865 billion in new investments through the Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF).
She praised progress made on major uranium developments, including Bannerman Energy’s Etango project and Deep Yellow’s Tumas project, while calling for greater urgency in expanding local beneficiation, increasing value addition and ensuring that mining creates sustainable economic opportunities for Namibians.
She stressed that Namibia’s mineral wealth must generate broader benefits beyond extraction and exports.
She encouraged mining companies to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, support skills development and increase opportunities for Namibian entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully across the mining value chain.
She further highlighted the importance of protecting mine workers through stronger occupational health and safety measures.
Nandi-Ndaitwah called for the swift finalisation of the Occupational Health and Safety Bill, the establishment of occupational health centres throughout the country, and improved access to post-retirement medical support for former mine employees.
She also urged mining companies to invest in employee empowerment programmes that provide long-serving workers with skills, financial support and opportunities to establish businesses or pursue alternative economic activities beyond the mining sector.
She said such interventions would help ensure that workers and communities benefit sustainably from Namibia’s mineral resources.
Reaffirming Namibia’s position as one of the world’s leading uranium producers, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the country’s mineral resources must increasingly become a foundation for industrialisation, local processing and long-term socio-economic transformation.
She reiterated Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent and competitive investment environment while strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.
She noted that collaboration, accountability and decisive action would be essential in ensuring that Namibia’s mining industry delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for citizens.
