Namibia's economic future: moving beyond raw uranium exports
via The Namibian6 min read
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent visit to the China General Nuclear Power Corporation in Shenzhen highlights Namibia's need to transform its mining sector. Despite being the world's third-largest uranium producer, Namibia primarily exports unprocessed uranium, missing out on significant value addition from conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. The article argues that this "dig, crush, ship" approach is an "economic surrender" rather than an industrial policy. It calls for a strategic partnership with companies like CGN to facilitate technology transfer, train Namibian engineers in nuclear science, and establish domestic processing facilities. The author, Gabriel Haulyamayi, an entrepreneur and commentator, emphasizes the importance of human capital development, citing South Korea's success in becoming a nuclear exporter. He suggests that such a shift could address Namibia's energy crisis and position the country as a future energy exporter. Haulyamayi outlines three key deliverables for the President's visit: a bilateral agreement with explicit technology transfer clauses, a scholarship and training pipeline for Namibian students in nuclear institutes, and a feasibility study for domestic uranium beneficiation with clear timelines.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadMetumo Shikongo, a political science scholar and regional coordinator, argues that Namibia's approach to youth inclusion in its energy sector is insufficient. Despite rhetoric of youth empowerment surrounding offshore oil discoveries and green hydrogen ambitions, Shikongo states that young Namibians are largely excluded from meaningful participation. The current model is described as tokenism, where young people are invited to conferences but lack real employment or decision-making power. Shikongo emphasizes that sustainable development goals, particularly strong institutions and partnerships, cannot be achieved if the youth, who represent the largest demographic, are treated as a charity case instead of an asset. Young leaders are already engaged in community projects and development frameworks without state funding, possessing the strategic thinking and digital adaptability needed for effective local content policies. Shikongo calls for a shift from passive mentorship to active institutional governance, advocating for young leaders to be structurally integrated into regulatory bodies, local content steering committees, and regional development boards. The National Youth Council and regional forums are urged to become pipelines for intellect, ensuring opportunities reach all regions and are not monopolized by elite circles. Shikongo concludes that young people are the operational reality of today and must be given structural power, not just symbolic representation, for the n
Must ReadA Namibian delegation is on a five-day mission to South Africa to oversee the exhumation and repatriation of the remains of two former Robben Island prisoners buried in Cape Town. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture stated that the delegation is meeting with South African officials to discuss the legal, cultural, technical, and logistical arrangements for the process. The delegation includes representatives from traditional authorities, former Robben Island prisoners, family members of the deceased, and government officials, as well as officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the Museums Association of Namibia, and the National Heritage Council of Namibia. The program involves visits to various museums and cemeteries, including the Iziko Museums of South Africa, the Mayibuye Archives, the District Six Museum, the Robben Island Museum, and the Gugulethu and Maitland cemeteries. These visits will also include cultural rituals and site inspections. The mission is scheduled to conclude by July 14.
Must ReadArgentina secured a 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland on Saturday, setting up a World Cup semi-final clash with England. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for Argentina in the 10th minute, assisted by Lionel Messi. Switzerland equalized through Dan Ndoye in the second half, but Breel Embolo was sent off shortly after for simulation, leaving Switzerland with 10 players. Julian Alvarez scored a decisive goal in the 112th minute, followed by Lautaro Martinez adding a third. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the team faced difficulties but benefited from their opponent's red card. This win means the top four FIFA-ranked teams will contest the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament. Argentina is now unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup matches, aiming to retain their title. The upcoming semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday revives a historic rivalry, marked by past World Cup encounters and the Falkland Islands dispute.