Allexer Namundjembo
A United Nations (UN) report launched in Windhoek has identified more than US$900 million in diversification opportunities and the potential to create over 26 000 jobs through value addition and industrial expansion.
The report was unveiled by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development secretary general Rebeca Grynspan during her official visit to Namibia.
The event took place at the Mövenpick–Mercure Hotel and was organised with the National Planning Commission (NPC). It was attended by government officials, private sector representatives, academia, civil society and UN agencies.
According to a statement issued at the launch, the Rapid Assessment for Value Addition and Diversification identifies 353 feasible products across 23 sectors that align with Namibia’s existing production capabilities.
“The report marks a shift from broad diversification aspirations to evidence-based prioritisation,” the UN said.
“A subset of 200 products represents a global market that has grown by an average of US$811 million since 2018, demonstrating that diversification can build on what the country already knows how to do.”
Those 200 products represent about US$811 million in export opportunities. The report also identifies 68 products worth US$116.8 million for import substitution, mainly in chemicals, machinery, metals and processed goods.
“The report highlights the potential to unlock significant economic activity and employment through diversification beyond raw mineral exports,” the UN said.
The assessment places focus on critical energy transition minerals. It identifies 60 products linked to these value chains, with an estimated US$221 million in export potential. These opportunities are concentrated in iron and steel, copper products, machinery and electrical equipment.
“Critical energy transition minerals provide a concrete entry point for value addition and industrial upgrading,” the UN said.
“However, upgrading within these value chains is not automatic and requires coordinated support across skills development, finance, standards and infrastructure.”
The report estimates that 165 validated products could generate more than 26 400 jobs.
This equals about 3% of the national labour force in 2023. Iron and steel accounts for the largest share of potential jobs, followed by machinery, metal products and electrical equipment.
Food processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals were also identified as sectors with strong job creation potential.
“Economic diversification offers a powerful pathway to job creation and inclusion,” the UN said.
The assessment also points to barriers that slow industrial growth. These include shortages of technicians and maintenance engineers, limited access to early-stage industrial finance, and gaps in standards and testing infrastructure.
“Binding constraints are mutually reinforcing system failures that no single ministry or agency can resolve on its own,” the UN said, calling for coordinated action across government and stronger partnerships with development finance institutions and the private sector.
The report estimates overall investment needs at about US$2.13 billion. It highlights regional markets within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as platforms to scale production, alongside measures to boost domestic demand through strategic procurement.
