The Swapo Party Youth League is calling for the Environmental Clearance Certificate issued for phosphate mining to be reviewed and set aside. In a statement issued on Friday, the youth league reiterated its opposition to phosphate mining, citing concerns over the potential impact on Namibia’s marine resources, fishing industry and communities dependent on the ocean.

The organisation has opposed phosphate mining since 2019, arguing that the protection of marine resources and the sustainability of the fishing industry should take precedence over what it describes as short-term extractive interests.

The youth league highlights the economic contribution of the fishing industry, putting its contribution at about 4.1 percent of Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product and its annual value at approximately N$14.3 billion. It also estimates that the sector employs about 19,440 people.

The statement further raises environmental concerns associated with phosphate extraction and processing, including potential radioactive waste, water pollution and habitat loss. It argues that both land-based mining and proposed marine dredging could have significant consequences for marine ecosystems and communities dependent on them. The youth league is therefore calling for an urgent review and subsequent setting aside of the Environmental Clearance Certificate for phosphate mining.

It is also urging Cabinet to ensure that decisions on Environmental Clearance Certificates are subject to ministerial oversight and accountability. The organisation cites Articles 40 and 41 of the Namibian Constitution, which set out the duties of Cabinet ministers and their individual and collective accountability for the administration of government ministries.