The Presenter urged rebalancing power to bring it closer to people and warned that threats come "not just through hard power, but through softer, slower means that sow fear and despair."

Staff described Assessment-to-Action (A2A), a program that helps communities identify problems and build local teams to execute projects; Amber said communities do the work while the council provides process and support, and that 85% of teams continue initiatives 1'2 years on.

House File 1435 clarifies local options for education programs without new funding.

Leaders introduce RPATH program to foster community involvement and share findings monthly.

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The government is exploring ways to ensure 51% local ownership in new mining ventures. This will be done through a new policy aimed at promoting local empowerment and long-term sustainability. Deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete announced the plan on Tuesday during the opening of the 2025 Mining Expo in Windhoek. “We are actively consulting with industry stakeholders on mechanisms that will promote 51% Namibian ownership in new mining ventures,” said Ithete. He said local empowerment is not only a matter of social justice but also a cornerstone for long-term stability and sustainability in the sector. Ithete also said the government would act against mineral rights holders who fail to start operations. He said several licences have been issued where no activity has commenced, which must change. “The mineral rights are granted with the intention of production. We will not tolerate the hoarding of licences for purposes unrelated to national development,” he said. He said the ministry, together with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), remains open to dialogue on legitimate challenges, but non-compliance would not be allowed to continue. “To this end, our ministry has already issued notices to non-compliant mineral rights holders and will soon engage them,” said Ithete. He also announced that the government is reviewing the Minerals Bill and will soon start consultations in regions where exploration and mining are taking place. “This process is essential to ensure that our laws are fit for purpose and reflect the ambitions of an equitable and modern mining industry,” he said. Speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Carlo Lord Muhamed McLeod, deputy head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, said the mining sector continues to play a key role in national development. He said the sector generated N$52.3 billion in revenue and N$23.94 billion in local procurement in 2024. It also supported over 9 400 permanent jobs, with 97% held by Namibians. “Namibia’s mining sector is not only thriving, it is evolving into a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking industry,” he said. McLeod urged stakeholders to invest in skills development, infrastructure, and supply chains. “Let us work together to unlock the full potential of our mineral wealth, not just for today, but for generations to come,” he said. Chamber of Mines president George Botshiwe said the sector’s performance and resilience align with Namibia’s development priorities. He said Namibia remains one of the most attractive countries for mining investment in Africa. “Despite global uncertainty, Namibia continues to rank among Africa’s top destinations for mining investment. The Fraser Institute’s latest survey ranked Namibia fourth on the continent,” he said. The 2025 Mining Expo runs until 7 August and features 198 exhibitors and 335 booths, making it the largest in its 12-year history. The programme includes a technical conference on 6 August, focusing on uranium and gold mining, value addition, and industry-led community projects.

Namibia plans to empower locals to actively participate in the petroleum sector  African Mining Market

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called for renewed focus on local economic empowerment through value addition in the mining, green hydrogen, oil and gas sectors. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the Opuwo Annual Trade Fair on Monday, Ngurare said the event’s theme, “Empowering the Local Economy through Sustainable Innovation in Green Hydrogen, Oil & Gas, Tourism, and Mining”, aligns with the country’s broader goals for an industrialised, energy-secure, and inclusive economy. “Events such as this are instrumental in achieving the Government of the Republic of Namibia’s developmental objectives under Vision 2030, the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, and the National Development Plans,” he said. The prime minister acknowledged the growth of the trade fair since its inception in 2012, noting that the number of exhibitors has increased from fewer than 40 to 180 this year. “This growth is not just a statistic. It is a testimony to the determination of the Opuwo Town Council and its partners, as well as the confidence exhibitors place in this strategic trade platform,” he said. International participation from countries such as Tanzania and Kenya was also acknowledged, with Ngurare noting that their presence affirms Opuwo’s growing status as a commercial and investment destination within the region. He drew attention to the need for local beneficiation in Namibia’s resource-rich regions, particularly in Kunene. “We must not continue exporting raw materials only to import them back as finished products. Let us cut and polish our minerals right here in Opuwo. Thereby creating jobs, building skills, and growing our industrial base,” he said. He backed a call by the Opuwo Town Council for the mining industry to invest in a local processing plant and urged stakeholders to participate in a consultative meeting later in the week to shape development strategies for emerging industries. In reference to infrastructure development, Ngurare said the government is committed to projects such as the bitumen road to Okanguati in the Epupa Constituency and the anticipated Baynes Hydropower project. “These infrastructure investments are not just about mobility. They are laying the foundation for Opuwo to emerge as a hub of economic activity, powering the north-western corridor of Namibia and Southern Africa,” he said. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that all groups, including small-scale miners, farmers, traders, and youth, are included in economic progress. “Our small-scale miners, our farmers, our traders, and our youth, all deserve a seat at the table of economic progress. Government is steadfast in creating a conducive environment for all actors to thrive,” he said. Ngurare commended the organisers and people of the Kunene region for their efforts and resilience. “Your dedication is what transforms visions into reality. Let this year’s Trade Fair be a springboard for new partnerships, new investments, and new ideas that will drive Opuwo and Namibia forward,” he concluded

House Bill 317 promotes transparency in zoning appeals while Bills 318 and 935 enforce local governance policies.

County leaders commit to maintaining Bridal Veil Falls as accessible and fee-free for citizens.