Rudolf Gaiseb

With the United States showing a heightened interest in Namibia’s mineral resources and oil sector, the Namibian government aims to leverage this forum to expand value-added trade. 

The trade ministry says it will promote mineral beneficiation, downstream processing and manufacturing partnerships, rather than exporting raw materials alone.

The Namibian government has welcomed investment from the US after the country expressed a significant interest in Namibia’s mineral resources, particularly uranium, lithium and tantalum, as areas of interest and commercial engagement.

Trade executive director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati responded to detailed questions, ventilating Namibia’s position.

Nghipondoka-Robiati underscored Namibia’s energy cooperation as strategic, including nuclear energy, offshore oil and gas development, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. “We are marketing Namibia as a logistics hub, through the Port of Walvis Bay and its corridor network, offering investors access not only to Namibia but also to the broader SADC market,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said. 

In this regard the ministry eyes technology transfer, collaboration of industries, and long-term supply partnerships in this partnership.

“Our engagements are being leveraged to position Namibia as a stable, predictable, and investor-ready partner,” she said. Meanwhile, US companies, Chevron, Baker Hughes and others are already active in Namibia, but as of this year, the engagements have intensified around uranium and offshore oil and gas.

“Namibia seeks partnerships across the entire mining and energy value chain, from exploration and development to processing and downstream industries, ensuring long-term shared value rather than extractive engagement alone,” Nghipondoka-Robiati stated.  

Bigger picture

Nghipondoka-Robiati has expressed prioritising investments that contribute to job creation, value addition, mineral beneficiation, skills development, and sustainable development.

Although Namibia remains open for business to both foreign and local investors, these investors are subject to prioritising national development and Namibia’s laws and principles.

The ministry is adamant that the regulatory approach is supported by strong institutions, adherence to the rule of law, a transparent legal framework, and international trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On his part, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse told New Era last week that Namibia opens its doors to anyone who genuinely wants to invest in it and who meets its requirements. “We apply our conduct generally, meaning that it’s applicable to everyone who can supply or who can accept our service,” he said. 

In addition, Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete noted that by bolstering diplomacy and strengthening the quality of its ambassadors, Namibia stands a good chance to leverage these partnerships.

“I’m worried that our government is doing rhetoric in terms of economic diplomacy, and they are not taking it as seriously as they should. An example of this is the deployment of ambassadors. When you say economic diplomacy, you really need strong people that would be able to compete with their peers in the countries that they are posted in. It’s more rhetoric than doing what would work,” he said.

Namibian adventure

During these developments, US ambassador to Namibia, John Giordano, with US Department of Energy officials, last week visited the Erongo region to look at opportunities in the energy space.

Nghipondoka-Robiati formed part of the tour. Giordano previously noted that Namibia is strategically important to the U.S. due to its critical minerals and offshore oil potential in a recent interview.

He also openly expressed that the Orange Basin is a key area for potential oil extraction, noting that major US companies are looking to operate there.  

The team toured the Port of Walvis Bay to assess its strategic role in regional energy and trade infrastructure.

“Walvis Bay can become a major southern African energy and trade gateway connecting Atlantic markets across the continent. Infrastructure at this scale strengthens secure supply chains, supports industrial growth, and reduces dependence on fragile or adversarial routes,” Giordano is quoted saying on the US embassy’s Facebook page.

“Organisations like the American Bureau of Shipping are already on the ground bringing US expertise to this port’s expansion – the American model: high standards, real investment, and results,” he added.

Future

The trade relations between the two countries are constructive and are growing. The trade ministry expects the trade relation to grow and become more diversified over the next five years. An increase in uranium production, progress in offshore oil and gas development, and advancements in green hydrogen and renewable energy are likely to deepen the trade ties.

“Additionally, we see a partnership that will evolve beyond primary exports toward greater value addition, manufacturing and local processing,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said.

Nevertheless, the United States recently approved a short-term extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 31 December 2026, following the programme’s expiration at the end of September 2025. This is envisaged to further expand bilateral trade. At the moment, the US also imports Namibia’s beef, charcoal, dates and grapes.

“Namibia’s strong institutional framework, regulatory stability, and commitment to sustainability provide a solid foundation for expanding bilateral trade,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said.

– rgaiseb@nepc.com.na