President Opens 13th Mining Expo, Points to Sector’s Growing Economic Weight

Photo credit: Namibian Presidency

President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially opened the 13th edition of the Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference on 5 August 2026, under the theme “From Dialogue to Delivery,” which reviews progress made since the launch of Namibia’s Public-Private Forum (NamPPF) in 2025.

The President noted that this year’s Expo has grown to 222 exhibitors, up from 195 last year, made up of 198 local companies, 18 from the SADC region, and 6 international firms, which is a sign, she said, of the event’s growing international profile.

Mining contributed 14% to GDP and paid N$7.8 billion in taxes in 2025, a 37% jump from N$5.6 billion the previous year, the President said, pointing to this as evidence of the industry’s resilience and investors’ continued confidence in Namibia.

Meanwhile, under NamPPF, the mining sector committed to creating over 18,000 direct jobs and facilitating an estimated US$2.865 billion in new investment. The President said more than 1,000 jobs have already materialised through Bannerman Energy’s Etango Uranium Project and Deep Yellow’s Tumas Uranium Project, with more expected. Mining remains one of eight economic enablers under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which targets 500,000 new jobs.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for the finalisation of the Occupational Health and Safety Bill, the rollout of occupational health and safety centres nationwide, and the introduction of post-retirement medical schemes for miners, including small-scale operators. Moreover, as one of the world’s leading uranium producers, Namibia is well placed to participate more broadly in the nuclear value chain, the President said, describing the country’s uranium resources as a strategic national asset that should support wider socio-economic development.

The President urged stakeholders to move from dialogue to measurable delivery, and encouraged the mining sector to prioritise local beneficiation and skills development for long-serving employees. She also invited the public, especially young Namibians, to visit the Expo, which is free to attend.

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