Namibia pushes local processing and partnerships for critical mineral investors
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said foreign investors in critical minerals will be expected to establish processing plants in Namibia and partner with local businesses, and that local participation requirements are being written into law. She did not specify what level or form of local participation the proposed legislation would require. Namibia restricted exports of unprocessed lithium and several other critical minerals in 2023, and since April 2021 Namibians awarded exploration and prospecting licences who dilute their ownership to foreign investors have been required to retain at least a 15% stake.
Why it matters: The measures illustrate how critical minerals policy is being used to capture domestic value addition, a recurring theme in the briefing's coverage of resource nationalism and mineral supply chains.