A Nation on the Rise- Land of the Brave
- gerhard648
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
From marine diamonds and uranium to green hydrogen and precision agriculture, Namibia is showing how natural wealth, smart strategy, and determination can drive prosperity that benefits all.
Where the world’s oldest desert meets the Atlantic’s restless surf, Namibia begins. The country stretches wider than France but is home to just over three million people. It is a land of space, silence, and stark beauty, and a country writing one of Africa’s most compelling economic stories. Namibia, today, stands at the heart of a multi-industry boom. Green hydrogen, oil and gas discoveries, and rare earth minerals are drawing investors from around the world. “We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life of our people,” said H.E. Dr Netumbo andi-Ndaitwah in her inaugural speech as she was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president.
Mining remains a pillar of the economy, contributing around 10% of GDP and generating over half of Namibia’s foreign exchange earnings. The country is the world’s third-largest exporter of uranium, a key supplier of critical metals, and a global leader in diamond value per carat. “The Fraser Institute has ranked the geological survey of Namibia as one of the best in the world,” says Veston Malango, CEO of the Chamber of Mines. In 2024, the sector employed over 20,000 people, with 97% of permanent jobs held by Namibians. Natural diamonds are a source of national pride. “Most of the diamonds that you see in rings are from Namibia. They’re 95% gem quality and probably the highest value in the world on a per-carat basis,” says Willy Mertens, CEO of Debmarine Namibia. But mining’s future lies in creating lasting value at home, with growing opportunities in support services and local procurement. “Looking 10 to 15 years ahead, Namibians can become more self-sustainable—and as skills grow, we’ll be able to export talent and participate in global opportunities,” says Viren Sookhun, Managing Director of Workforce Staffing Namibia.
Namibia’s energy ambitions stretch across borders. Positioned within the Southern African Power Pool, it is investing in solar, wind, oil, gas, and green hydrogen to serve both domestic and regional demand. “Green hydrogen will be a catalyst for accelerated socio-economic advancement,” says James Mnyupe, head of the Green Hydrogen Program. At the heart of this push is a US$9.4 billion green hydrogen program that promises to transform the nation’s economy. The sector is helping Namibia industrialize and attract capital while positioning it as a model for clean growth. “Our vision is to become an energy hub for the region. With a population of three million, we can act fast, meet our own needs, and support neighbors with larger demands. We have strong infrastructure, an enabling regulatory framework, and natural synergies with the region,” says Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy.
Agriculture, which employs 60% of Namibians, is changing rapidly. Namibia now produces 55% of its vegetables locally. Technology and agro-processing are building new value chains, from precision farming to agroforestry. “Agriculture’s impact goes far beyond the farm gate,” says Dr Fidelis Mwazi of the Namibian Agronomic Board. “It draws in engineers, builders, teachers, and health workers, creating jobs across the economy.”
Tourism draws visitors to Namibia’s deserts, canyons, and wildlife-rich lands. The country was the first in Africa to enshrine environmental protection in its constitution. Film tourism is adding a new layer of growth. “We have amazing, unique film locations that Namibian dollars were spent locally through film,” says Esther Beukes of the Namibian Film Commission.
Infrastructure is the backbone of this transformation. Namibia’s ports, roads, and digital networks connect the country and its neighbors. Rail is a key opportunity. “Many landlocked countries have untapped mining capacity but are constrained by logistics,” says Johan Laubscher of ATG Holdings. “Expanding rail is crucial to move resources. Our rail and road system works together as part of an intermodal solution to move goods in and out of neighboring countries.”
Namibia is positioning itself as more than a resource-rich nation. It is focused on building the systems, infrastructure, and industries that turn natural endowments into competitive advantages. From green hydrogen corridors to rail expansions, from value-added mining to precision agriculture, the Land of the Brave is creating an economy designed to deliver returns.
First published in