Namibia has not adopted a law or policy requiring 51% Namibian ownership in new mining ventures, Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Krohne has said, in a move aimed at easing investor concerns over the country’s future mining ownership framework.
Speaking during a benchmarking and familiarisation visit to India’s Bharat Diamond Bourse, Krohne rejected suggestions that a mandatory 51% Namibian equity requirement currently forms part of government policy.
“That is not the government’s position. Yes, the government wants to reach that level, but currently, we do not have such policies. There is no such law,” Krohne said. She said Namibia remained open to foreign investment and warned that uncertainty around ownership requirements could discourage investors from committing capital to the country.
“We are investor-friendly. We would rather invite investors to come and invest and leave their footprints in Namibia,” she said.
Krohne acknowledged that the government may seek to increase Namibian ownership in the mining sector over time, but stressed that a 51% requirement has not been legislated or adopted as official policy. Her comments come amid ongoing debate over proposals to increase local ownership in new mining projects.
At the 2025 Mining Expo, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Natangwe Ithete said government was considering a 51% Namibian ownership requirement as part of a broader review of the Minerals Bill.
Ithete said consultations with the mining industry were underway to explore ways of increasing local participation, arguing that greater Namibian ownership would contribute to the long-term stability and sustainability of the sector.
The proposal, however, raised concerns among mining companies and international investors about the potential impact on existing and future investments.
In June 2026, Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer Fabian Shaanika warned that continued uncertainty over the proposed ownership requirement was making it difficult for some investors to reach final investment decisions.
Shaanika said investors needed clarity on the rules governing future mining projects, regardless of whether the eventual local ownership threshold was set at 51%, 18% or another figure.
He urged government to conclude its consultations and clearly communicate its final position to the industry and investment community.
The proposed 51% requirement also affected investor sentiment following its initial announcement in 2025, with some foreign-listed mining companies with Namibian interests temporarily suspending trading as markets assessed the possible implications.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah subsequently reassured investors that the proposed 51% local ownership requirement was not an adopted government policy.
Krohne’s latest remarks reinforce that position while confirming that government remains interested in increasing Namibian participation in the mining industry.
The issue remains part of the broader policy debate as Namibia seeks to expand local economic participation in its mineral resources while maintaining an investment environment capable of attracting international capital and expertise.
By Rudi Bowe
