Staff Writer
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia member companies employed 20 798 people during 2025. Of these, 8 201 were permanent employees, while the remainder worked through contractors.
According to Chamber of Mines of Namibia president, George Botshiwe, 98% of permanent employees were Namibian citizens, highlighting the industry’s focus on local employment and skills development.
Mining employees also contributed about N$1.503 billion in Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax to the government during 2025.
Botshiwe said chamber member companies have invested approximately N$1.95 billion in corporate social investment projects since 2013.
Between 2011 and 2025, the industry also invested around N$1.82 billion in skills development and training, including the provision of 568 bursaries aimed at developing technical and professional skills for Namibians entering the mining sector.
He said the mining industry’s contribution extended beyond production and exports through investment in local businesses, workforce development and long-term community partnerships.
The 2026 Mining Expo and Conference has reached a historic milestone, with all exhibition space at the Windhoek Showgrounds fully booked for the first time since the event was launched.
Botshiwe said the event attracted 222 exhibitors occupying a record 397 exhibition spaces, including 367 indoor exhibition stands and 30 outdoor exhibits.
Botshiwe said the record participation reflected growing confidence in Namibia’s mining industry, sustained investment in the sector, increased participation by local businesses and rising regional and international interest in the country as a mining destination.
The expo includes 18 companies from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and six international exhibitors, alongside a strong representation of Namibian companies.
Despite a difficult global economic environment in 2025, marked by geopolitical tensions, tighter trade conditions and mixed commodity markets, Botshiwe said Namibia’s mining industry remained resilient.
According to Namibia Statistics Agency figures cited by Botshiwe, the mining sector contracted by 9.4% in 2025, largely due to reduced diamond production, which offset higher uranium and gold output.
However, total mineral sales increased by 25%, rising from N$51.38 billion in 2024 to N$64.18 billion in 2025, driven by stronger performances in uranium, gold and emerging minerals.
Botshiwe said the industry continued to make a significant contribution to government revenue despite lower diamond earnings.
Taxes paid by chamber member companies increased by 39% to N$7.8 billion in 2025 from N$5.6 billion the previous year, mainly due to higher corporate income tax from gold mining operations. Royalties increased by 9% to N$2.5 billion, while export levies rose by 90% to N$685 million.
Mining contributed about 14% of Namibia’s gross domestic product in 2025, maintaining its position as the country’s largest contributor within the primary sectors.
Investment in the industry also strengthened during the year. Gross fixed capital investment increased by 31%, from N$5.7 billion to N$7.5 billion, supported by new mine developments, expansion projects and capital replacement at existing operations.
Exploration expenditure rose by 22% to N$1.5 billion, reflecting increased interest in Namibia’s mineral potential amid higher global exploration spending.
Botshiwe said the mining sector continued to support the domestic economy through local procurement, spending approximately N$24 billion on locally sourced goods and services during 2025.
This represented 65% of total procurement expenditure and supported local businesses, supply chains and employment across multiple industries.
