Mining remains a vital contributor to Namibia’s GDP and foreign exchange reserves, with a future tied to investment, policy clarity, and sustainable practices.

Improved Investment Appeal: Namibia’s global investment attractiveness ranking jumped to 35th out of 82 jurisdictions in the 2024 Fraser Institute Survey, making it the 4th most attractive in Africa. This improved policy perception has fueled a 106.3% surge in exploration activity, particularly in uranium, copper, and lithium.

Policy Crossroads: The sector faces uncertainty due to a government proposal for 51% Namibian ownership in new ventures. The Chamber of Mines warns this could deter investment and reverse recent gains. Engagement is ongoing to find a balance between empowerment goals and maintaining a competitive, investment-friendly environment.

Value Addition & The Future: The potential for beneficiation—processing minerals locally before export—is a key topic. While challenges related to production volumes exist, there is growing interest in adding value to battery minerals like lithium and tin. The sector’s success is also dependent on reliable energy and water security, with mines increasingly looking to solar power and private desalination to mitigate risks.