The 2026 Namibia Mining Expo and Conference will open with a record 222 exhibitors, the highest in the event’s history, underscoring growing confidence in Namibia’s mining industry as government and the private sector seek to convert investment commitments into new projects, jobs and economic growth.
The event, taking place from 4 to 6 August at the Windhoek Showgrounds, has also reached another milestone by selling out every available exhibition space for the first time since the Expo’s inception.
According to the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, this year’s Expo will feature 222 exhibitors, representing a 14% increase over last year, occupying 397 exhibition spaces, a 21% increase on 2025.
Indoor exhibition space has expanded by 20%, while outdoor participation has increased by 30%. The Expo will also welcome 18 exhibitors from SADC countries, six international exhibitors, and 46 first-time exhibitors, reflecting growing regional and international interest in Namibia’s mining industry.
In a message ahead of the event, Chamber of Mines chief executive officer Fabian Shaanika said the record participation demonstrates continued confidence in the country’s mining sector despite an increasingly challenging global operating environment.
He said this year’s conference, held under the theme “From Dialogue to Delivery: Assessing Progress in Creating Mining-led Economic Growth and Employment since Namibia’s Public-Private Forum (NamPPF),” comes at a critical time as government and industry seek to determine whether commitments made under the Namibia Public-Private Forum have translated into tangible mining projects, investment and employment opportunities.
“At the same time, unlocking the next phase of mining-led growth will require sustained collaboration between Government, industry and all stakeholders,” Shaanika said.
He said the conference programme had been designed to assess progress made over the past year while identifying the practical actions still required to accelerate mining investment and project development.
“The programme has been carefully curated to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the issues shaping the future of our industry, including investment, project development, infrastructure, financing, sustainability and partnerships,” he said.
Sessions over the three-day conference will examine how Namibia can accelerate its mining project pipeline, develop critical minerals, expand downstream opportunities, improve financing for local suppliers and strengthen innovation across the sector.
The programme also introduces two new initiatives. The inaugural Chamber of Mines Safety Conference, themed “Safety for a Resilient Tomorrow,” will focus on leadership, accountability, legal compliance, contractor management and strengthening safety culture across the industry.
The NamXplor Mining Project Pitch Challenge, hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and sponsored by Appian Capital Advisory, will provide emerging exploration companies with an opportunity to present projects aimed at expanding Namibia’s future mining pipeline.
Shaanika said Namibia’s mining industry continues to demonstrate resilience despite global economic headwinds and remains one of the country’s leading contributors to economic growth, exports, investment and employment.
Beyond mining operations, he said companies continue investing heavily in education, healthcare, skills development, community infrastructure and other corporate social responsibility initiatives that create long-term benefits for communities across the country.
“The 2026 Mining Expo and Conference will inspire meaningful conversations, foster new partnerships and, most importantly, translate dialogue into practical action that will strengthen Namibia’s mining industry for generations to come,” Shaanika said.
