Exploration and mining the pathway to Namibian prosperity
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Exploration and mining the pathway to Namibian prosperity
Namibia’s natural resources makes it one of WhyAfrica’s top 10 countries in 2026.
With an unemployment rate of close to 20% and being one of the most unequal countries in the world, inclusive growth and the sustainable development of Namibia’s natural resources are crucial.
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) subdued medium-term growth rate of 3% could be boosted significantly if the pipeline of mining and oil and gas projects come online in the next few years.
Namibia is the world’s third largest uranium producer and if new projects in uranium, copper, lithium, Rare Earth Element (REE) continue to be backed by predictable regulations, stable politics and good infrastructure, Namibia’s prospects are good.
Exciting uranium projects
Exciting uranium projects like Deep Yellow’s Tumas project is expected to start producing this year while Bannerman’s Etango project is moving through development and construction, engineering and procurement activity should get underway in 2026.
Meanwhile Koryx Copper’s Haib project close to Noordoewer is advancing rapidly with more positive drilling results being released.
Haib’s development is important as it could become a long-life mining operation boosting investment in southern Namibia.
Lithium and REEs
Andrada Mining’s Uis operation northeast of Swakopmund is already producing lithium alongside tin and tantalum, and the focus now is on scale. Expect plant upgrades, higher throughput and improved recoveries in 2026.
The Lithium Ridge exploration programme, backed by SQM, looks interesting as well and should move into early development planning if all goes according to plan.
REE projects remain early stage but are strategically important. Projects such as Lofdal’s unique heavy rare earths development is moving through advanced studies and remains on the investor radar.
WhyAfrica’s visit to Namibia in 2026
Remember that WhyAfrica will be visiting Namibia as part of our new high impact mini road trips (based on the annual WhyAfrica Road Trip recipe) from 12 June to 23 June where you can expect several high-level interviews and a jam-packed programme filled with site visits and thought leader insights.
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Remember as a WhyAfrica member you can follow the WhyAfrica Road Trip in real time with live interviews, videos and photographs on the WhyAfrica Road Trip WhatsApp group.
Visit the WhyAfrica website for more information.
Image credit: Exploration drilling at Koryx Copper’s Haib project in southern Namibia when WhyAfrica visited site last year as part of the 2025 WhyAfrica Road Trip through Africa. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica.
Exploration and mining the pathway to Namibian prosperity