Nandi-Ndaitwah charts energy expansion

Namibia’s mining and energy sectors have delivered strong export earnings and are currently positioning for significant expansion. Simultaneously, the government is moving to tighten control over the emerging oil and gas industry, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced.

Delivering her State of the Nation Address on Wednesday, the President stated that the mining sector generated N$64.7 billion in export earnings and contributed N$1.4 billion in royalties during the 2025/26 financial year, while creating 580 new jobs.

A notable shift is underway within the sector; uranium and gold are now outperforming diamonds, driven by robust global demand and higher prices. In contrast, the diamond industry continues to face pressure from lab-grown alternatives.

“This transition reflects changing global commodity dynamics and reinforces the need to accelerate value addition and beneficiation policies,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Regarding energy, the President noted that projects valued at more than N$8 billion are currently underway. These initiatives are expected to increase national electricity generation capacity from 759 megawatts to 903 megawatts within the current financial year. “These developments are critical to improving energy security and supporting industrial growth,” she said.

Turning to oil and gas, Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the government has placed the sector under the Presidency through a newly established upstream oil unit to strengthen oversight and coordination. Work has begun on reviewing the Field Development Plan submitted by TotalEnergies, marking a key step towards negotiations and potential final investment decisions.

“We are also developing a local content policy to ensure Namibians benefit through jobs, skills transfer, and business opportunities,” she said.

The President called for the urgent passage of the Petroleum Amendment Bill, warning that delays are slowing progress in structuring the sector and securing long-term benefits for the country. These developments reflect the government’s strategy to sustain mining while positioning energy, oil, and gas as primary future drivers of economic growth.