Staff Writer
The mining industry has been challenged to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said when she officially opened the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday, that the mining industry had pledged to create more than 18 000 direct jobs and facilitate US$2.865 billion in new investments through the Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF).
She commended progress on major uranium projects, including Bannerman Energy’s Etango and Deep Yellow’s Tumas developments, while encouraging the sector to intensify efforts in local beneficiation, value addition and sustainable employment creation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibia’s mining industry to move decisively from dialogue to delivery, urging stronger public-private collaboration to accelerate job creation, value addition and inclusive economic growth.
The President described the Expo as an important platform for engaging stakeholders, showcasing investment opportunities, and strengthening collaboration within the mining sector.
The three-day Mining Expo and Conference, taking place from 4 to 6 August 2026, brings together government, industry leaders, investors and exhibitors to advance dialogue on the future of Namibia’s mining sector.
Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the exhibition, visiting various exhibitors’ stands to engage with participants and learn more about the innovations and opportunities on display.
Addressing delegates, the President said the mining sector remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy and a critical enabler of the Eighth Administration’s target of creating 500,000 jobs under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
She highlighted the sector’s resilience despite global economic uncertainty, noting that it contributed 14% to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generated N$7.8 billion in tax revenue in 2025, representing a 37% increase from the previous year.
She also welcomed growing investor confidence, reflected in the record 222 exhibitors participating in this year’s Expo, comprising local, regional and international companies.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further highlighted the importance of occupational health and safety, calling for the expedited finalisation of the Occupational Health and Safety Bill, the establishment of occupational health centres across the country, and improved post-retirement medical support for mine workers.
She urged mining companies to invest in employee empowerment by equipping long-serving workers with skills, capital and opportunities to diversify into other sectors of the economy.
Reaffirming Namibia’s position as one of the world’s leading uranium producers, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the country’s mineral resources must increasingly serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, local beneficiation and long-term socio-economic development.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent and competitive investment environment while strengthening partnerships that deliver measurable and lasting benefits for all Namibians.
