The Republic of Namibia is actively considering a proposal that would mandate a minimum 51 percent local ownership in all prospective mining projects, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, Natangue Ithete. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Namibia Mining Expo held in Windhoek, drawing attention across the region’s extractive industries.
Addressing delegates at the event, Minister Ithete underscored the government’s view that Namibia’s mineral wealth constitutes a national asset. In advocating for greater domestic participation in mining ventures, he emphasised that such a policy aligns with objectives of economic inclusivity and long-term national benefit. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the exploitation of resources results in tangible benefits for all Namibians,” Ithete stated.
The proposed ownership structure is currently under consultation with stakeholders in the mining sector. The government has expressed its intent to approach the process through structured engagement with industry representatives and policy experts to ensure practical implementation without compromising investor confidence. While no final decision has been made, the 51 percent threshold has been positioned as a critical mechanism to ensure that resource extraction contributes more directly to national development.
Namibia is globally recognised for its significant reserves of uranium and diamonds, and has recently become a focal point for international interest in battery minerals such as lithium and strategic commodities like rare earth elements. These developments have intensified discourse on resource governance, particularly as countries rich in natural resources seek to retain greater value domestically.
Minister Ithete also addressed concerns over dormant mineral licences, indicating that the government is moving to enforce compliance among rights holders. “Several licences have been issued where no activity has commenced. We will not tolerate the hoarding of licences,” he said, noting that official notices have already been sent to noncompliant entities. The Ministry is expected to commence direct engagements with these parties, reinforcing the government’s stance against speculative licence holding practices that do not serve developmental goals.
The proposed policy shift is consistent with a broader regional trend wherein resource-rich states are reassessing the terms of foreign participation in natural resource sectors. Such measures aim to increase local content, enhance socio-economic returns, and build long-term resilience in national economies. The Namibian government has affirmed that any changes to the existing regulatory framework will be pursued in a manner that respects contractual stability and international investment commitments.
As the mining sector continues to evolve in response to global commodity demands, Namibia’s policy direction is poised to influence future investment patterns in Southern Africa. The country’s ability to balance domestic economic empowerment with the imperatives of attracting capital and technology will remain central to the trajectory of its mineral economy.
