Namibia is targeting up to N$20 billion in investment through uranium conversion and advanced nuclear fuel cycle development as part of its newly launched Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah unveiled the plan in Windhoek on Monday, outlining a strategic shift in the country’s nuclear ambitions beyond uranium mining.
To enable this expansion, the government will review the Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act of 2005 to accommodate regulation of nuclear installations.
The plan also calls for the establishment of the Nuclear Institute of Namibia, which will serve as the technical body responsible for assessing, developing, and managing nuclear-related projects.
Namibia aims to increase the nuclear industry’s contribution to GDP from 3.2% in 2024 to 4% by 2030. NDP6 outlines the development and commissioning of several flagship projects including a small modular reactor, uranium enrichment and fabrication facilities, a radiopharmaceutical production unit, an industrial irradiation centre, and a national radioanalytical laboratory.
The nuclear industry, currently driven by uranium mining, recorded a turnover of N$15.53 billion in 2023, with N$10.27 billion going towards wages, royalties, and local procurement. The sector supported 6,437 direct jobs during the same year.
A Human Resource Plan will be implemented to ensure the availability of technical skills required for the industry, through international training partnerships and support to local institutions.
Namibia will also expand its use of nuclear technology in agriculture, health, water, and environmental sectors, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The Nuclear Industry Development Programme under NDP6 will oversee all related activities and lay the foundation for a future nuclear power programme beyond the plan period.
