Orano Mining Namibia, in partnership with the Arandis Town Council, has refurbished the Arandis Open Market, strengthening support for small businesses and local economic activity in the town.
The upgrade, completed at the end of 2025 at a cost of N$300,000, restores the facility into a modern and functional trading space for local entrepreneurs. The market was originally established in 2012 through a N$500,000 investment by Orano, then operating as AREVA Namibia.
The development of the market traces back to a 2005 baseline study which identified a lack of formal trading space as a major constraint for small and medium enterprises, many of which operated informally without adequate infrastructure.
The facility provides 16 business units along with shared trading areas and has since become a key hub for small-scale enterprise in Arandis.
Orano Mining Namibia Managing Director Marc Meleard said the refurbishment reflects the company’s continued commitment to the town, despite its mining operations being placed under care and maintenance in 2013.
“Our wish is that we experience the growth of the Erongo Region together and benefit from it not only today, but for future generations,” he said.
Arandis Mayor Johanna Namupala said the upgraded market highlights the importance of partnerships in driving economic diversification and supporting local livelihoods.
She described the facility as a platform for entrepreneurship, providing a structured space for small businesses to grow and contribute to the local economy.
Namupala also acknowledged Orano’s contribution to the town’s 2024 to 2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure and promoting sustainable development beyond mining.
The refurbished market is expected to support local commerce, improve trading conditions and contribute to household incomes, as the town seeks to position itself as a centre for SME development.
