Following high-level engagements between the Chamber of Mines of Namibia and Her Excellency, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Government has provided important clarity on its position regarding local ownership across all sectors of the economy, including mining, marking a positive conclusion to the year for the Chamber.

In December 2025, the National Planning Commission (NPC) issued a public statement confirming that Government has not set a fixed threshold for local ownership. The statement emphasised Government’s openness to continued consultation with stakeholders to ensure a balanced, win-win outcome that promotes local empowerment without compromising profitability and returns on investment.

The Chamber of Mines of Namibia and the broader mining industry welcomed this clarification as a strong affirmation of Government’s commitment to a consultative, evidence-based policy formulation process. Importantly, the statement reassured industry stakeholders that local ownership thresholds have not been predetermined and that any future policy measures will be developed through structured engagement, with due consideration to investment viability, project profitability, and Namibia’s continued competitiveness as a mining jurisdiction.

The Chamber regards this outcome as a constructive result of its sustained high-level engagements with Her Excellency the President, during which the importance of policy certainty and investor confidence was consistently emphasised. This clarity provided a positive close to 2025 for the Chamber and its members, allaying the fears of investors and shareholders in Namibia regarding the 50% local ownership pronouncement.

As the industry looks ahead to 2026, the Chamber remains committed to working closely with Government and stakeholders to advance discussions on local ownership that will deliver a win-win outcome for current shareholders, investors and the Namibian people as owners of the country’s mineral resources.