Statement by Nangula Frieda Ithete, high commissioner of Namibia to South Africa, at Namibia showcase at Africa Mining Indaba 2026

Nangula Frieda Ithete, high commissioner of Namibia to South Africa, at Namibia showcase at Africa Mining Indaba 202

Cape Town, South Africa, 11 February 2026

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Good afternoon.

It is a distinct honour and privilege to welcome you to the Namibia country showcase session at the Africa Mining Indaba, Africa’s premier platform for dialogue, partnership and investment in the mineral sector.

Namibia is pleased to participate in this important gathering at a defining moment for our continent and the global economy. As the world recalibrates supply chains and transitions towards a new trade and industrial order, Africa’s mineral wealth is no longer viewed only as an extractive resource, but as a strategic lever for industrialisation, energy security and inclusive growth.

Under Namibia’s eighth administration, led by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, president of the Republic of Namibia, our national focus is clear: growth at home, value at home and opportunity for the Namibian people. This vision is firmly embedded in the sixth national development plan and guides our engagement with investors, partners and global markets.

Namibia remains a beacon of political stability, sound governance and policy predictability. These fundamentals have underpinned investor confidence for decades and continue to position Namibia as a preferred and reliable investment destination in Africa.

Namibia’s position in the new global trade order, particularly in the mining sector, is anchored on value addition, local content, beneficiation and regional integration. We recognise that Africa cannot remain a net exporter of raw materials while importing finished products at a premium. The future lies in building integrated mineral value chains linked to manufacturing, logistics, energy and skills development.

The government of Namibia is equally committed to creating an enabling environment for responsible mining investment. We continue to streamline licensing processes, modernise regulatory systems and enhance coordination across institutions. Through the leadership of the ministry of international relations and trade, Namibia is aligning trade diplomacy, investment promotion and export development to ensure that mining investments translate into broader economic transformation.

We are also positioning Namibia strategically within continental and global frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. The African Continental Free Trade Area offers new opportunities for mineral-based industrialisation, cross-border value chains and access to a market of over 1.4 billion people. Namibia is ready to play its role as a gateway between Southern Africa, global markets and emerging green and critical mineral value chains.

Namibia offers more than mineral resources. We offer policy certainty, strong institutions and a clear development vision. We seek partners who share our commitment to long-term value creation, inclusive growth and mutual benefit.

As we engage at this Mining Indaba, Namibia invites investors, technology providers and development partners to walk this journey with us — from exploration to beneficiation, from extraction to industrialisation and from opportunity to shared prosperity.

It is now my honour and privilege to introduce our keynote speaker, Gaudentia Kröhne, deputy minister of industries, mines and energy, who will provide deeper insights into Namibia’s mining and investment policy direction and outline the strategic priorities of the eighth administration.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the deputy minister.

I thank you.

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