Namibia’s mining industry invested nearly N$3.8 billion in community development and skills training while spending N$24 billion on locally sourced goods and services in 2025, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution beyond mineral production.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the mining sector remains one of Namibia’s most important economic pillars, contributing 14% to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 and paying N$7.8 billion in taxes, up 37% from N$5.6 billion in 2024.
She said the industry has also committed, through the Namibia Public-Private Forum, to creating more than 18,000 direct jobs and facilitating an estimated US$2.865 billion in new investment.
“The mining sector is identified as one of the eight economic enablers towards achieving this target. While the mining sector committed through the Namibia Public-Private Forum to creating over 18,000 direct jobs and facilitating an estimated US$2.865 billion in new investment through the various mining and exploration projects, more can still be done,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Chamber of Mines President George Botshiwe said the industry’s contribution extends well beyond employment and tax revenue through investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure and enterprise development.
“Since 2018, Chamber members have collectively invested just under N$2 billion in corporate social investment initiatives. In addition, in 2025, the industry invested N$1.8 billion in education and training, creating 568 bursary opportunities and equipping thousands of Namibians with technical and professional skills required to participate in the mining industry,” Botshiwe said.
He said Chamber member companies employed approximately 20,000 people during 2025, with 98% of permanent employees being Namibian citizens.
Botshiwe added that mining companies spent approximately N$24 billion on locally procured goods and services during the year, representing 65% of total procurement expenditure and providing significant support to Namibian businesses across multiple sectors.
“The mining sector continues to be a significant employer in the formal economy. In 2025, Chamber member companies provided employment to just about 20,000 people across the country. Ninety-eight percent of all permanent employees are Namibian citizens,” he said.
Mining employees also contributed approximately N$1.25 billion in Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax during 2025, while mining companies continued investing in strategic infrastructure, including water supply, electricity and roads.
