Staff Writer
Ten Namibian exploration and early-stage mining projects were shortlisted to pitch their investment opportunities at the NamXplor Mining Project Pitch Challenge during the Namibia Mining Expo and Conference 2026 hosted by the Chamber of Mines of Namibia.
The initiative was hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), with Appian Capital Advisory as the founding strategic partner.
The challenge was designed to give exploration and development-stage mining projects an opportunity to present directly to investors, mining companies, financiers and strategic partners, with the aim of connecting promising projects with the capital, technical expertise and partnerships needed to accelerate their development.
Appian Capital Advisory, commented: “Namibia has no shortage of investor interest in its mining sector. What is needed are more advanced and professionally managed projects that meet investors’ expectations. NamXplor was designed to help close that gap and build a stronger pipeline of investment-ready projects for the country. As a leading global private equity firm in metals and mining with a strong presence in Namibia, Appian welcomed the opportunity to support the competition and offer our expertise to its participants.”
Selected project owners also received investment-readiness coaching, technical feedback from industry experts, exposure to investors and financiers, an opportunity to pitch to Appian Capital Advisory, and potential post-event engagement with selected strategic partners.
The Okotjize Iron Ore Project, presented by project promoter Theresia Aochamus, emerged as the first-place winner. ABMogn Exploration placed second, while the Mickal Critical Minerals Project took third place.
For Aochamus, the recognition marks an important milestone in the development of the Okotjize Iron Ore Project.
The exploration-stage iron-ore opportunity is located in the Erongo region, where she has been advancing the project through reconnaissance and fieldwork.
She is now seeking suitable strategic investors and development partners for the next stage of exploration and development.
Aochamus said the significance of NamXplor extends beyond the winning projects.
“The most important thing is that these projects have been given a platform to be seen by investors. There are Namibian project owners with mineral opportunities that require capital, technical expertise and strategic partnerships to move their projects forward.”
The initiative also supports Namibia’s broader objective of attracting investment into mining, mineral beneficiation, value addition, local participation and industrialisation.
For the 9 (nine) shortlisted project owners, the challenge provides an opportunity to increase the visibility of Namibian opportunities and build relationships with potential investors,financiers and strategic partners.
“NamXplor is about turning Namibia’s mineral potential into investable opportunities by connecting project owners with the capital, expertise and strategic partnerships needed to
advance their projects,” said Julia Muetudhana, acting chief executive officer of NIPDB.
“We invite investors and partners to work with NIPDB in unlocking the next generation of mining,innovation and technology opportunities for Namibia.”
