Bravery Kabula
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has called for stronger policies, funding and collaboration to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s natural resources.
The recommendation follows a stakeholder workshop held in Swakopmund late last year.
The engagement brought together the ministries of mines, land reform, tourism and parastatals such as the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida), ErongoRED, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) and Chamber of Mines.
It was aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight and ensuring that natural resources contribute meaningfully to economic growth and sustainable development.
Committee chairperson Tobie Aupindi said the engagements were necessary to align sector strategies with national development priorities.
“The workshop reaffirmed the importance of aligning sectoral strategies with our national priorities, particularly Vision 2030, the National Development Plans, and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Aupindi said.
He also added that Parliament will not hesitate to act where accountability is lacking.
“Parliament will work together with stakeholders to effect efficiencies but will not hesitate to act to hold officials accountable,” the Swapo lawmaker said.
The Chamber of Mines, through its spokesperson, told the committee that the mining sector remains the backbone of Namibia’s economy, contributing 13.3% to gross domestic product in 2024.
The sector generated N$51.38 billion in revenue, with 80% of that amount remaining in the local economy through wages, taxes, and procurement. The government received N$7.32 billion from the industry, accounting for 14.2% of total state revenue.
Exploration spending reached a record of N$1 billion in 2024, while employment in the sector increased by 14.6%.
Meanwhile, the mines ministry reported that it aims to increase the national electrification rate from the current 50% to 70% by 2030.
The ministry highlighted major energy projects, including the 20MW Khan solar plant, a 40MW biomass plant at Otjikoto, and a planned 100MW solar project.
It also emphasised plans to boost mineral beneficiation and increase local participation in the oil and gas sector.
Additionally, on the front of land reform, it was reported that the government has resettled 5 502 beneficiaries on 601 farms since independence, covering more than 3.5 million hectares.
The ministry has also supported over 111 000 farmers and released more than 20 new crop varieties.
However, it faces major challenges, including limited funding for land acquisition, animal disease outbreaks, illegal land sales, and erratic rainfall affecting food security.
Furthermore, the tourism ministry reported that Namibia now has 86 communal conservancies generating about N$142 million annually for rural communities.
The rural conservancies employ more than 5 600 people.
Wildlife populations on communal land have increased by 23%, while the Kavango-Zambezi conservation area has recorded a 14% rise in elephant numbers since 2020.
Despite these gains, the ministry faces funding gaps, poaching threats, and growing human–wildlife conflict.
The committee recommended stronger inter-ministerial collaboration, increased funding for priority projects, and accelerated policy reforms across natural resource sectors.
It also called for greater local participation in industries such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, and mining to ensure inclusive economic growth.
– mathebravery@gmail.com