Local ownership in Namibia’s mining sector has reached 49% during the 2023/24–2024/25 period, significantly exceeding the government’s 15% target, according to the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
The ministry’s strategic plan for 2025/2026–2029/2030 shows that this builds on earlier gains recorded between 2016/17 and 2022/23, when local ownership reached 25%, surpassing the 20% target.
“The target of 25% local ownership in mining operations was achieved, exceeding the 20% target (2016/17–2022/23), while 49% local ownership was recorded against a target of 15% for the 2023/24–2024/25 period,” the ministry reported.
During the period under review, the ministry issued seven new mining licences and renewed seven others, while enforcing a policy requiring an additional 5% local ownership in new licences.
In the energy sector, the 30% local ownership requirement under Power Purchase Agreements for renewable energy projects was also achieved, exceeding the 20% target.
The ministry further reported progress in environmental management, including the development of a comprehensive Mine Closure Framework and the assessment of 57 abandoned mine sites. A total of 100 environmental inspections were conducted at both operational and abandoned sites, with strict enforcement of Environmental Clearance Certificate requirements.
“Additionally, the target of 30% local ownership in the energy sector under Power Purchase Agreements for renewable energy projects was met, exceeding the 20% target,” the report stated.
Renewable energy performance also improved, with the share of renewable electricity increasing from 33% to 60%, surpassing the 55% target. A total of 121 megawatts was added through renewable projects between 2016/17 and 2023/24, while 1,261 off-grid households were electrified during the 2023/24–2024/25 period.
On the international front, Namibia met its obligations under key agreements, including the African Development Partnership Agreement (ADPA), the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).
The ministry also advanced cooperation under initiatives such as the GSN-BGR programme, the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) and the EU–Namibia strategic partnership.
“Namibia successfully honoured its obligations under key international frameworks, including ADPA, KPCS and CTBTO, while advancing cooperation under various international initiatives,” the report noted.
In addition, progress was made in policy and legislative reform, with seven new policies introduced, including the National Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Policy and Independent Power Producer Policy. Draft legislation, including proposed minerals and diamond bills, amendments to the Electricity Bill and reviews of petroleum laws, is also underway.
