Chamwe Kaira
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has expressed concern over Namibia’s significant deterioration in the 2025 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies, warning that the results highlight the urgent need to safeguard policy certainty and investor confidence in the country’s mining sector.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says the country has lost ground in the 2025 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies.
The chamber said the results show a decline in investor confidence and highlight the need for policy certainty.
“Namibia’s decline in the Investment Attractiveness Index signals that investor perceptions of our mining policy and regulatory environment have weakened,” said chamber president George Botshiwe.
“This is particularly concerning at a time when strong mineral commodity prices are driving significant global investment into high-risk exploration. If Namibia is not seen as competitive and predictable, we risk missing out on exploration capital that is critical for discovering the mines of the future.”
The survey shows Namibia’s Investment Attractiveness Index fell from 66 in 2024 to 56 in 2025.
The country’s ranking dropped from 30th out of 82 jurisdictions to 51st out of 68.
In Africa, Namibia moved from 4th place out of 20 jurisdictions to 7th out of 14.
The index combines policy perception and mineral potential. The Policy Perception Index dropped from 78 to 68. The Best Practices Mineral Potential Index fell from 58 to 47.
Survey participants raised concerns about policy direction.
“The National Development Plan No. 6 mentioning that new mining projects should have 51% Namibian ownership, confirmed by the Minister of Industries, Mines & Energy, is a deterrent to investment,” said an exploration company president.
“The new water act, new environmental act, minerals bill, and statements made by the minister of mines and parliament members are deterrents to investment,” said a consulting company.
The chamber said investor views were shaped by statements made in 2025 about a possible 51% local ownership requirement in mining.
These statements created uncertainty among investors.
Government has since clarified its position.
After engagements between the chamber and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the National Planning Commission said there is no fixed requirement for local ownership.
In December 2025, the commission said the government will continue to consult stakeholders on the issue.
