WINDHOEK, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday urged the country to move beyond uranium extraction and play a greater role in the global nuclear value chain.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th Mining Expo and Conference in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the country's uranium resources represent opportunities that extend beyond mining itself.
"As one of the world's leading uranium-producing nations, Namibia is uniquely positioned to participate meaningfully in the broader nuclear value chain," she said.
"The country's uranium resources represent an opportunity that extends beyond mining itself and should increasingly be viewed as a strategic national asset capable of supporting wider socio-economic development," she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia offers a stable, transparent and competitive investment environment and remains committed to attracting responsible investment while promoting local beneficiation and economic growth.
"In this regard, continued dialogue between the government and the industry remains essential in identifying practical opportunities that enhance Namibia's industrial base while preserving the country's international competitiveness as a mining investment destination," she said.
According to figures released by the Chamber of Mines in May and cited at the event, the mining industry contributed 14 percent to the country's gross domestic product in 2025, while taxes paid by chamber members rose 39 percent to 7.805 billion Namibian dollars (about 476 million U.S. dollars) from 5.624 billion Namibian dollars in 2024.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said mining is one of eight economic enablers under the Sixth National Development Plan, through which the government aims to create 500,000 jobs.
Reiterating the government's position, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse said at the opening that local value addition is an essential pillar of national sovereignty and sustainable development.
"To unlock the full potential of our mineral resources, we must move beyond the mere extraction of raw materials," he said.
The government plans to advance this objective through the Mineral Beneficiation Policy, which is currently under development and is expected to be finalized by the end of August.
The expo, which runs from Aug. 4 to 6, has attracted 222 exhibiting companies, up from 195 last year. ■
