Namibia’s mining sector continues to cement its position as the country’s biggest wealth creator, generating more than N$64 billion in mineral sales in 2025.
This is despite a difficult year because of a slump in diamond markets.
Total mineral sales increased by 25% from N$51.3 billion recorded in 2024, with strong performances in gold and uranium helping to cushion the impact of a 9.4% contraction in overall mining activity.
Chamber of Mines president George Botshiwe says the sector’s resilience reflects Namibia’s growing mineral diversification, as traditional diamond dependence gives way to increased contributions from uranium, gold and emerging minerals.
Speaking at the official opening of the 13th Chamber of Mines Expo and Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday, Botshiwe said the sector continued to deliver significant economic benefits through taxes, exports, investment and employment.
“The continued operational strength of chamber members, as well as the diversification in the Namibian mining industry, with uranium, gold, and emerging minerals increasingly contributing to the sector’s growth,” Botshiwe said.
The event was attended by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, cabinet ministers and mining industry stakeholders and was 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).’
Mining companies paid N$7.8 billion in direct corporate taxes in 2025, a 39% increase from N$5.6 billion in 2024.
Royalties paid to the state rose by 9% to N$2.5 billion, while export levies increased by 90% to N$685 million. Mining employees also contributed an estimated N$1.5 billion in pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) taxes.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah says the sector’s contribution demonstrated its importance in supporting economic growth, particularly during a period of global uncertainty.
“The continued growth of this expo reflects the sector’s values: resilience, investor confidence and diversification. Resilience in the sense that, despite global uncertainty and market-related challenges, the mining sector remains one of the key contributors to our economic landscape,” she says.
Mining contributed 14% to Namibia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, while corporate taxes from the sector increased significantly compared to the previous year.
The sector also recorded a 31% increase in gross fixed capital investment, driven by mine construction, expansions and equipment upgrades. Exploration expenditure grew by 22% to N$1.5 billion, signalling continued investor interest in Namibia’s mineral potential.
Beyond government revenue, Botshiwe said mining’s impact extended into local businesses and communities through procurement and skills development.
Chamber members spent N$24 billion on locally sourced goods and services in 2025, accounting for 65% of their total procurement expenditure.
“These investments demonstrate the mining sector’s contribution and cannot be measured solely in terms of production, exports, or tax revenue. It is equally reflected in the opportunities created for individuals, for small businesses, through local procurement, skills transfer, and long-term partnerships that continue to strengthen our communities,” Botshiwe said.
The mining industry directly employed more than 20 000 people, with Namibian citizens accounting for 98% of permanent employees.
Nandi-Ndaitwah says the Mining Expo provides an important platform for businesses, investors and young Namibians to identify opportunities in the sector, particularly as the country seeks to expand into upstream activities and critical minerals.
“This expo serves as a platform for information sharing and provides an opportunity for Namibians and businesses to identify investment opportunities and form partnerships, particularly in the upstream sector,” she says.
She adds that the event supports government’s youth empowerment agenda by exposing young people to career opportunities in mining, oil and gas, and other strategic industries.
With rising mineral revenues, increased investment and growing local procurement, the mining sector remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s economic development and one of the country’s strongest sources of wealth creation.
