President Nandi-Ndaitwah Urges Mining Sector to Deliver Jobs, Investment and Value Addition
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibia’s mining industry to move beyond dialogue and deliver tangible results through stronger public-private collaboration aimed at creating jobs, promoting value addition and driving inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the official opening of the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek on Tuesday, the President described the annual event as an important platform for engaging stakeholders, showcasing investment opportunities and strengthening collaboration within the mining sector.
The three-day Expo and Conference, running from 4 to 6 August, has brought together government officials, mining companies, investors and exhibitors to discuss the future of Namibia’s mining industry.
After the opening ceremony, President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the exhibition, interacting with exhibitors and learning about new technologies and investment opportunities.
The President said the mining sector remains a key pillar of Namibia’s economy and will play a crucial role in helping the Eighth Administration achieve its target of creating 500,000 jobs under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
She noted that despite global economic challenges, the sector contributed 14 percent to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 and generated N$7.8 billion in tax revenue, representing a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also welcomed growing investor confidence, pointing to the record participation of 222 local, regional and international exhibitors at this year’s Mining Expo.
She said the mining industry, through the Namibia Public-Private Forum (NamPPF), has committed to creating more than 18,000 direct jobs and mobilising US$2.865 billion in new investments.
The President further commended progress on major uranium projects, including the Etango project by Bannerman Energy and the Tumas project by Deep Yellow, while urging companies to accelerate local beneficiation, increase value addition and expand sustainable employment opportunities.
On workers’ welfare, she called for the swift 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.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also encouraged mining companies to empower long-serving employees with skills development, access to capital and opportunities to venture into other sectors of the economy after leaving the industry.
Reaffirming Namibia’s status as one of the world’s leading uranium producers, the President said the country’s mineral wealth should increasingly support industrialisation, local value addition 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 lasting benefits for all Namibians.
