QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine says its investment in host communities extends far beyond mining operations, with millions of Namibia dollars channelled into infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development projects across the Erongo Region.
Navachab Gold Mine Managing Director George Botshiwe outlined the mine’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme during the official inauguration of the N$12.65 million Usakos SME Business Park on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
Botshiwe said the programme is guided by five strategic pillars: infrastructure development; education and training; entrepreneurship and job creation; health, wellbeing and sport; and safety and security. He said these pillars reflect the mine’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of mining extend beyond its operations and contribute to the long-term development of communities.
Over the past two years, Navachab has supported several projects, including the construction of the Otjimbingwe Mortuary, household electrification in Karibib, installation of traffic lights in the town and the provision of vehicles to the Usakos and Karibib Police Stations.
Other initiatives include the construction of a classroom block at the Government-owned Karibib Junior School and the establishment of the Golden Egg Project.
One of the major upcoming investments highlighted by Botshiwe is the construction of a N$150 million Medical Centre in Karibib, which has recently commenced.
In Usakos, the mine is also supporting the construction of a boundary wall at Erongosig Primary School while engaging stakeholders on a proposed model business garden initiative aimed at improving food security and supporting vulnerable children.
In Uis, Navachab has joined forces with Uis Tin Mine to support the construction of a school laboratory at Petrus !Ganeb Senior Secondary School. Botshiwe described these projects as examples of how the mining industry can contribute to national development and improve the livelihoods of communities beyond the immediate mining environment. “These projects reflect our belief that natural resources must be the anchors for development of Namibia and of our people,” he said.
Turning to the newly inaugurated Usakos SME Business Park, Botshiwe said its success would ultimately depend on the long-term impact it creates for the community rather than simply the completion of the construction project.
He stressed that sustainable development requires cooperation between communities, local authorities, Government and the private sector. The SME Park, developed through collaboration between Navachab Gold Mine and the Usakos Town Council, is intended to provide local entrepreneurs with dedicated premises from which to establish and grow their businesses.
Botshiwe said some residents had already benefited from employment during the construction phase, while the business units would now provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish enterprises, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.
“Navachab can build the infrastructure. We can help create the opportunity. But it is the people of Usakos who must turn that opportunity into lasting success,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facility and use it to its full potential, emphasising that development should continue long after the official handover.
For Navachab, he said, the true measure of success would be the lasting contribution the SME Park makes to the economic wellbeing of the Usakos community.
The mine’s broader community investment programme reflects its stated approach of using partnerships and investment in local infrastructure to support opportunities, livelihoods and sustainable development. Photos: QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine.
By Rudi Bowe
