The 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference has recorded its highest exhibitor participation since its inception, with 222 exhibitors taking part this year, highlighting growing regional and international interest in Namibia’s mining sector.
Speaking at the official opening of the expo in Windhoek on Wednesday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said exhibitor numbers had increased from 195 in 2025 to 222 in 2026.
The exhibition features 198 Namibian companies, 18 exhibitors from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, and six international exhibitors.
“Since its establishment in 2013, the Mining Expo and Conference has grown into Namibia’s premier business and investment event, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, investors, development partners, academics, suppliers, service providers and the public to discuss the future of the mining sector in the country,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She said the increase in international participation reflects growing investor confidence in Namibia as a stable mining investment destination and demonstrates the sector’s expanding role in supporting economic diversification and value addition.
“The continued growth of this Expo reflects the sector’s values: resilience, investor confidence and diversification,” she said.
Chamber of Mines President and QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine Managing Director George Botshiwe said every exhibition space at the Windhoek Showgrounds had been fully occupied for the first time in the event’s history.
“This year, we are pleased to welcome 18 companies from the SADC region and six international exhibitors alongside 198 Namibian companies. This broad participation underscores the regional and global significance of Namibia’s mining industry,” Botshiwe said.
He said invitations had been extended to government institutions, diplomatic missions, educational institutions, the business community and the public, while free entry was maintained to encourage broader public engagement with the mining sector.
“We are delighted to report another record achievement this year, with every exhibition space at these showgrounds fully occupied for the first time in the event’s history,” he said.
Botshiwe said the expo continues to strengthen its role as a platform for investment promotion, business partnerships and public engagement, while showcasing opportunities across Namibia’s mining value chain.
