President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged Namibia's mining industry to move beyond commitments and accelerate job creation, local value addition, and economic diversification.
She described the mining sector as one of the key drivers of the country's development agenda.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Mining Expo and Conference, the head of state said the mining industry remains one of Namibia's leading economic sectors despite global economic uncertainty and declining commodity markets, contributing largely to economic growth, exports, investment, and government revenue.
The sector contributes 14% to the Gross Domestic Product and paid N$7.8 billion in taxes in 2025, representing a 37% increase from the N$5.6 billion collected in 2024.
The President also stated that the time has come for the country to move from discussions to implementation while taking stock of the outcomes achieved since the launch of Namibia's Public-Private Forum in 2025.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded delegates that through the Namibia Public-Private Forum, the mining industry committed to creating more than 18,000 direct jobs and facilitating an estimated US$2.865 billion in new investment through mining and exploration projects.
“The sector has also demonstrated investors' confidence in Namibia as a stable and attractive investment destination while leveraging the country's untapped potential for diversification and value addition. This was reflected in the increased number of international exhibitors. The 8th Administration has set an ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs during the implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan. The mining sector has been identified as one of the eight key economic enablers to help achieve this goal.”
The President also renewed the government's call for greater local beneficiation.
“In addition, to its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the mining sector should consider empowering its long-serving employees with skills, capital, and opportunities, enabling them to diversify into other sectors of the economy and drive job creation and economic diversification.”
Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy Modestus Amutse explained.
“Local beneficiation and domestic value addition are not simply economic aspirations; they are essential pillars of national sovereignty, industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. Beneficiation should therefore be one of the central discussions during this Expo and Conference.”
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah described Namibia as a stable and competitive investment destination, saying its uranium resources should be seen as strategic assets for industrialisation and socio-economic development.
She said stronger government-private sector collaboration is needed to turn mining wealth into benefits for all Namibians.