Namibia's mining industry has demonstrated resilience despite a difficult year for the diamond sector, with mineral sales, tax contributions, and investment all increasing in 2025.
The Chamber of Mines President, George Botshiwe stated that the Mining Expo had reached a historic milestone, with all exhibition space at the Windhoek Showgrounds fully booked for the first time.
The event features 204 exhibitors occupying 372 exhibition spaces, including 18 companies from the SADC region and six international exhibitors.
Although the mining sector contracted by 9.4% in 2025 due to lower diamond production, total mineral sales rose by 25% to more than N$64 billion, driven by increased uranium and gold production.
The sector also contributed N$7.8 billion in taxes, up 39% from 2024, while royalties increased to N$2.5 billion.
Capital investment in the industry rose by 31%, while exploration expenditure increased by 22% to N$1.5 billion, reflecting continued investor confidence in Namibia's mineral potential.
Mining companies spent approximately N$24 billion on locally procured goods and services during 2025, representing 65% of total procurement expenditure.
The industry also employed more than 20,000 people, with 98% of permanent employees being Namibian citizens.
Botshiwe explained.
“Since 2013, the chamber members have collectively invested just under 2 billion in corporate social investment initiatives. And in addition, between 2011 and 2050, in 2025, the industry invested N$1.8 billion in skills development, training, creating 568 basic opportunities, and equipping thousands of Namibians with technical and professional skills required to participate meaningfully in the mining industry.”
Botshiwe said the government and the private sector must now focus on removing obstacles to unlock new mining investments.
He identified infrastructure constraints, including water supply, as well as the need for regulatory certainty around pending legislation such as the Minerals Bill, as key issues requiring attention.
For exhibitors, the Mining Expo and Conference provides an important platform to showcase its services, build partnerships, and expand its footprint across the country's growing mining sector.
“So we are looking forward to moving the mining industry into a different perspective. We want to establish ourselves on other various mines as well,” stated Andrew Sowden.
The conference will examine issues including project development, infrastructure, financing, sustainability, innovation, and local partnerships.