Namibia’s mining and quarrying sector recorded a sharp contraction in export earnings in February 2026, with export values declining by N$4.4 billion month-on-month, underscoring volatility across key mineral commodities.
The downturn contributed to a 42.2% decline in total national exports, which fell to N$6.6 billion during the month, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
Data from the International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) bulletin indicates that the contraction was driven by weaker performance across several core mining exports. Nickel ores and concentrates declined by N$454 million, while ores and concentrates of base metals fell by N$445 million. Precious stones, including diamonds, recorded a reduction of N$323 million.
Despite the monthly decline, the mining and quarrying sector remained a significant contributor to Namibia’s export basket, accounting for 20.5% of total exports in February.
Non-monetary gold retained its position as the country’s leading export commodity, generating N$1.7 billion and accounting for 25.5% of total exports, with South Africa as the sole destination.
Precious stones, primarily diamonds, contributed N$466 million, with key markets including the United Arab Emirates and Belgium. Petroleum oils followed at N$387 million, exported mainly to Botswana and Zambia.
Other mineral exports included ores and concentrates of base metals at N$275 million and nickel ores and concentrates at N$203 million. Additional contributions came from sulphur and unroasted iron pyrites at N$134 million.
On the import side, mining-related inputs and capital goods continued to feature prominently. Petroleum oils remained the largest import category at N$2.1 billion, reflecting ongoing energy requirements for mining and industrial activity.
Nickel ores and concentrates imports totalled N$735 million, while commercial motor vehicles reached N$489 million, indicating continued investment in logistics and operations. Imports of civil engineering equipment amounted to N$295 million, signalling sustained infrastructure and project development activity within the sector.
Overall, the February data reflects the sensitivity of Namibia’s mining export performance to fluctuations in global commodity demand and pricing, particularly across base metals and diamonds, while reinforcing the sector’s continued central role in the country’s trade profile.
