Swakop Uranium this week revealed plans to create more than 1 000 jobs through new projects, including the construction of a desalination plant.

Among Namibia’s biggest mining companies, as the operator of the Husab Uranium Mine, the company expressed readiness to support Namibia’s long-term dream of developing nuclear energy.

The announcement came after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with the leadership of Swakop Uranium at State House in Windhoek on Tuesday. 

The delegation, led by newly appointed CEO Luo Wei, paid a courtesy call to brief the President on their operations, future projects and contributions to the national economy.

“We are planning a few major projects on site, including a desalination plant and a heap leach project,” the CEO said in an interview following the meeting. 

“During the construction period, alone, we expect to create around 1 000 new jobs. More will come during operations,” he added.

During the meeting, before the media crew were told to vacate the hall, President Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the update and stressed the need for mining companies to align with Namibia’s broader development goals.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing how you are fitting into our value addition programme, employment creation and skills transfer,” the President told the Swakop Uranium team. “These are very important as we move forward,” she added. 

During the meeting where the media were present, the President focused strongly on job creation, training of Namibians, local procurement and social responsibility.

 She said Namibia wants more than just resource extraction – it wants industries that add value, create opportunities and develop skills locally.

Impact

Wei said Swakop Uranium is committed to supporting local communities and the Namibian workforce.

“We have already spent N$2.9 million last year on education initiatives,” he said. 

“We are working with local suppliers and local contractors, and we aim to increase that support as we grow,” he added.

One of the company’s key social projects is the soon-to-be-launched Hope Farm Project. 

It will assist local farmers not only with food support but also with tools and equipment to improve their farming productivity.

“It’s not just giving food – it’s giving the ability to produce. We want to give long-term support, not short-term donations,” Wei noted.

Nuclear energy 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah raised the issue of value addition to Namibia’s natural resources, a subject she has constantly publicly addressed. 

She encouraged Swakop Uranium to explore ways to ensure more benefits remain in Namibia.

In response, Wei confirmed that Swakop Uranium, through its Chinese parent company, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), is open to deeper cooperation with Namibia, including in the energy sector.

“We fully support the idea of Namibia exploring nuclear energy in the long term,” he said. 

“We are already producing uranium, which is fuel for nuclear power plants. If Namibia decides to go in that direction, we are ready to support,” he added.

CGN operates and builds nuclear power plants in China and globally.

 It is currently the second-largest nuclear energy group in the world, with over 50 gigawatts of capacity either built or under construction.

Background

Swakop Uranium began operations in Namibia in 2013, with its Husab Mine, near Swakopmund, now ranked among the largest uranium mines in the world. 

The company employs hundreds of Namibians and indirectly supports many more through its supply chain and community projects.

Tuesday’s meeting comes at a time when Namibia is under pressure to reduce unemployment, especially among youth, and ensure that international companies contribute more meaningfully to national development.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah made it clear that her administration expects companies operating in Namibia to be active partners in nation-building by creating jobs, investing in people and adding value to what the country produces.

The new projects announced by Swakop Uranium during the side interview signal an expansion not only of mining operations but also potential national impact through job creation, infrastructure investment and possible future participation in Namibia’s energy mix.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah demanded that skills transfer be prioritised. 

“Skills transfer and employment are very, very important. We must ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are felt by our people,” she demanded.