Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), launched by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek on Monday, sets targets to increase local ownership in mining ventures from 51 % in 2024 to 60 % by 2030.
The plan also aims to increase the share of processed mineral exports from 46.6% to 57% by the end of the decade.
Namibia’s mining sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing a significant share to GDP and serving as a primary source of foreign exchange through the export of key minerals, including diamonds, uranium, and copper.
The sector also encompasses small-scale mining, which supports livelihoods and community development by reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities.
Local equity participation remains disproportionately low across mineral licenses and operations, limiting long-term wealth generation and inclusive prosperity.
The plan introduces a local participation enhancement initiative to increase Namibians’ direct involvement in mining through structured investment mechanisms.
This initiative will ensure that Namibians benefit from mining revenue, gain ownership in operations, and participate in downstream processing and value-added activities.
Efforts are also being made to strengthen linkages between mining and domestic industries.
During the NDP5 period, the mining sector contributed approximately 13 % to GDP.
Diamonds, uranium, and gold generated over 50 % of the countryʼs foreign exchange earnings.
The mineral processing industries contributed only 2.9% to GDP on average, with most output being exported in raw or semi-processed form.
The mining sector employed 14,337 people, accounting for 2.6% of total employment.
Between 2017 and 2022, processed mining exports increased from 26.2 % to 46.6 %, primarily driven by the diamond sector.
Gold, uranium, and dimension stones also contributed to value-added growth.
Despite these gains, the need for further local beneficiation and manufacturing remains. The Mineral Beneficiation Strategy and the Mining Inputs and Services Database were completed during this period.
NDP6 aims to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth through mineral development by implementing the national beneficiation policy, expanding SME integration, increasing local equity participation, and improving national geoscience knowledge to unlock new mineral opportunities.
It also aims to diversify Namibia’s mining products and markets, thereby reducing vulnerability to global commodity price fluctuations.
The baseline percentage of processed mineral exports stood at 46.6 % in 2024, with a target of 57 % by 2030. Employment in foreign direct investment-linked mining enterprises is targeted to increase from 15,653 to 20,000 by 2030.
A key strategy is the enhancement of value addition through local processing, beneficiation, and industrial linkages.
This is supported by the proposed Minerals Bill, which will provide a legal and regulatory framework to guide investment and value addition.
The strategy also includes targeted support measures such as supplier development and local value addition.
NDP6 also seeks to increase Namibian involvement in the mining sector by promoting local ownership, supporting SME suppliers, and expanding access to finance for small-scale miners through the Mineral Development Fund.
Geoscience surveying and research will be enhanced to improve detailed mapping and facilitate the discovery of minerals.
The flagship programme under NDP6, Integration and Diversification of the Mining Industry, aims to address the limited capacity for local processing and refining.
It seeks to enhance production, value addition, and economic benefits while increasing local equity participation and strengthening the regulatory framework.
The programme will also monitor progress in ownership and beneficiation to align benefits with national goals.
