Namibia Highlights Investment Potential at 17th US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola

Namibia made a compelling case for investment during the Invest in Namibia Forum,  organised as part of the country’s programme at the US-Africa Business Summit 2025 held in Luanda, Angola. The event brought together high-level government officials, diplomats, business leaders and investors, to explore the country’s diverse economic opportunities and reinforce its commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks from Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade who described Namibia as "the hidden jewel of Africa" celebrated for its robust infrastructure, world-class tourist attractions, and spirit of bold innovation. Hon Ashipala-Musavyi assured investors of her ministry’s full support, inviting them to "engage fully and take part in shaping the opportunities ahead and highlighted Namibia’s progress in gender equality, notably with the election of the country’s first female President and a majority women cabinet.

Dr. Nangula Nelulu Uaandja, CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), provided an overview of Namibia’s investment opportunities, emphasising the country’s rich natural resources, growing infrastructure and investor-friendly reforms across sectors like mining, energy, agriculture, tourism, and the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI). Dr. Uaandja encouraged attendees to visit the NIPDB website for detailed investment opportunities and propositions (Link: www.nipdb.com/opportunities-overview, Link: Investment Opportunities Catalogue). She expressed optimism, stating, “Namibia is well-positioned to attract strategic partnerships that will drive sustainable economic growth. Our reforms and incentives create a competitive environment for investors looking to engage in Africa’s emerging markets.”

Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the keynote address, emphasising Namibia’s constitutional commitment to a mixed economy and the importance of public-private partnerships while underlining  the government's focus on job creation, reducing inequality and fostering sustainable development. Her Excellency encouraged investors to view Namibia as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), along with the rest of Africa and the global economy; highlighting major investment opportunities in mining oil and gas, renewable energy, especially green hydrogen and agriculture. Additionally, Her Excellency underscored the importance of value addition, calling for increased local processing and beneficiation to enhance economic growth. She conveyed optimism about Namibia’s economic future, stating that, "Namibia stands ready for you to bring your investment, Namibia stands ready for you to work with us in addressing our challenges”. 

A high-level panel discussion was also hosted during the Invest in Namibia session, moderated by Ms. Margareth Gustavo, Executive for Competitiveness and Branding at NIPDB. Panelists included Mr. Ben Nangombe, Executive Director at the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy; Mr. Gregory Swartz, Director at Walvis Bay Salt; Ms. Angelique Peake, Head of Oil and Gas, Energy and Resources at Rand Merchant Bank Namibia; and Ms. Beatrice Bienvenu, Chevron Namibia Country Manager. Panelists echoed Her Excellency’s call for value addition and capacity building:

• Mr. Ben Nangombe highlighted ongoing regulatory improvements and ease of doing business reforms, stating, “We are committed to creating a transparent and efficient regulatory framework that supports investors and encourages sustainable development.”

• Mr. Gregory Swartz shared insights on the salt industry’s potential, noting, “Namibia’s salt sector offers untapped opportunities for export growth and value addition, supported by strategic port infrastructure.”

• Ms. Angelique Peake detailed the banking sector’s role in facilitating capital access, emphasizing, “Financial institutions in Namibia are increasingly focused on innovative financing solutions to support energy and infrastructure projects critical to the country’s growth.”

• Ms. Beatrice Bienvenu shared Chevron’s positive experiences, affirming, “Chevron remains committed to Namibia’s energy sector and is exploring further investments as the country’s oil and gas industry evolves.”

The forum concluded with a clear message: Namibia is open for business, committed to inclusive and sustainable growth, and offers a stable, enabling environment for investment and trade. The government and its partners stand ready to support investors in unlocking the country’s vast potential.