TIRI MASAWI
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia will launch a value addition policy this year aimed at increasing the country’s earnings and benefits from its natural resources, particularly in the mining sector.
Namibia produces a range of minerals, including precious stones, rare earth minerals such as lithium, as well as gold. The country is also the fourth-largest producer of uranium globally.
Delivering her state of the nation address, Nandi-Ndaitwah told Parliament that, “When it comes to value addition, we will have a plan launched this year. This is an important plan to make sure that our resources benefit the local economy and create jobs. Really this is something that we need to do with a proper plan.”
The president said the mining sector continues to contribute significantly to gross domestic product (GDP), foreign exchange earnings and job creation.
She said during the 2025/26 financial year, Namibia earned over N$64.7 billion in export earnings and collected N$1.4 billion in royalties, while 580 jobs were created in the industry.
“The uranium and gold sub-sectors have surpassed diamond due to their global demand and high prices, while diamond prices have declined because of the influx of lab-grown diamonds flooding the market,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia’s focus is also on ensuring energy sustainability and reliability for all citizens.
“Several energy projects are underway, mainly concentrating on biomass, solar, and other sources. Together, these projects total over N$8 billion. Once fully operational, they will boost electricity generation capacity from the current 759 megawatts to 903 megawatts this financial year,” she said.
She said a series of infrastructure and development projects has been initiated to enhance rural electrification, with a particular focus on public schools and essential services across the country.
The president also warned that if the oil and gas industry is not properly managed from the beginning, it could become a curse for the country.
“That is why I have decided to oversee it directly under the Presidency, through the oil unit, with an initial staff establishment of 26 which could expand up to 141. I am therefore calling on Parliament to join me in this effort. The first step is to pass the petroleum amendment bill with urgency, as one year has already been lost,” she said.
COMMENTS