President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says reforms to Namibia’s investment law and upgrades to infrastructure are designed to strengthen mining and energy development, positioning the country as a reliable global investment destination.
Speaking at the Africa America Institute’s 41st Annual Awards Gala in New York on 21 September, Nandi-Ndaitwah said natural resources and renewable energy potential would drive economic growth.
“Namibia is a country with natural resources, and I keep reminding Namibians that we are just too few to be poor. If we are working together, if everybody is committed, definitely we will be able to make use of those resources, and then the rich will become richer, the poor will become able to sustain themselves,” she said.
She highlighted new opportunities in oil exploration and renewable energy, including green hydrogen, and stressed that the review of the investment law would simplify procedures to attract more participation in these sectors.
“We are saying Namibia is open for investment. So you can invest in agriculture, you can invest in mining, you can invest in energy … as long as it is an investment that is based on partnership, and an investment that is respecting the laws of the Republic of Namibia,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President pointed to Namibia’s competitive road and port infrastructure as essential to supporting energy and mining operations.
She said Walvis Bay Harbour’s role as a logistics hub and the country’s dry ports serving landlocked neighbours strengthened Namibia’s position in regional mineral and energy trade.
“Of late, Namibia has been talked about the green hydrogen, but basically what it means is meaning a green industry that we want to contribute to decarbonisation. Well, we know that we have not contributed much, but since we have those resources like the sun, the wind and the wave, we are inviting investment in those sectors so that we will be able to contribute to decarbonisation,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that technology transfer and skills development would remain a requirement for investors to ensure growth in mining and energy directly benefits Namibians.
