President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for Namibia to begin exploring the development of a nuclear power plant and to identify strategic partnerships to help realize this vision. Speaking during a visit to the Rössing Uranium Mine last week, the President emphasized the need for a reliable and clean energy mix to fuel economic growth and lift citizens out of poverty.
“Nuclear energy is essential,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated. “The government will make every effort to create an enabling environment for the mining sector to thrive.”
She highlighted that Namibia’s energy future must be built on sustainability and resilience, and that nuclear power, supported by the country’s vast uranium reserves, could play a crucial role in achieving energy security.
Mining Sector Must Empower the Youth
President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the mining sector to play a stronger role in building sustainable livelihoods by creating quality jobs and investing in youth development.
“The mining sector should do more to provide sustainable and quality jobs, scholarships, training, internships, and funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Empowering our youth is key to building a resilient and inclusive future,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for mining companies to ensure fair treatment of workers by offering living wages, adequate housing, healthcare, and retirement benefits that allow workers to live with dignity after their active careers.
Value Addition and Industrial Growth
Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated the importance of value addition and beneficiation within the mining sector to transform Namibia’s economy.
“Mining must become the bedrock of an industrial and manufacturing base. We want mining companies to invest in the potential of our youth and the local economies where they operate. Sustainable community upliftment depends on the creation of skilled and sustainable jobs, and this can only happen if the mining industry embraces the government’s call to add value to our natural resources.”
She also encouraged mining companies to diversify their impact by supporting other sectors of the economy and empowering entrepreneurial employees to become contributors to broader economic development.
Commending Rössing Uranium’s Resilience
The President praised the leadership and resilience of Rössing Uranium during challenging periods, particularly for maintaining production capacity and protecting jobs.
She welcomed the recent decision to extend the life of the mine from 2027 to 2036, calling it a significant step toward long-term sustainability and economic contribution.
“This mine has demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility by caring for surrounding communities and upholding high safety and environmental standards,” she noted.
Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded by reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking mining sector—one that not only fuels the economy but uplifts the people of Namibia.