Namibia’s mineral sector remained the backbone of the country’s export performance in 2025, with uranium emerging as the leading export commodity, accounting for 22.4% of total export value, according to the latest trade bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency. Non-monetary gold followed as the second-largest export, contributing 16.0% of total exports, while precious stones, …
Mineral exports anchor Namibia’s trade as uranium leads export earnings
Namibia’s mineral sector remained the backbone of the country’s export performance in 2025, with uranium emerging as the leading export commodity, accounting for 22.4% of total export value, according to the latest trade bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency.
Non-monetary gold followed as the second-largest export, contributing 16.0% of total exports, while precious stones, mainly diamonds, continued to play a significant role in foreign earnings. Together, uranium, gold and diamonds dominated Namibia’s export basket, underscoring the mining sector’s central role in the country’s external trade.
In December 2025, mineral exports generated substantial trade surpluses that offset deficits in key import categories. Uranium recorded a trade surplus of N$1.8 billion during the month, while non-monetary gold generated a surplus of N$1.9 billion. Precious stones contributed a further surplus of N$1.7 billion.
The NSA said non-monetary gold was the single largest exported commodity in December, accounting for 18.0% of total exports, with all shipments destined for South Africa. Uranium accounted for 16.8% of exports during the month, primarily shipped to China, while diamonds were largely exported to Botswana.
At a sectoral level, mining and quarrying accounted for 43.6% of total export revenue in December, with export values rising by N$461 million compared to November. Manufacturing contributed 45.9% of exports, although much of this value is linked to mineral processing and downstream activities associated with the mining sector.
The NSA noted that the composition of Namibia’s top traded commodities continues to highlight the economy’s heavy reliance on mineral exports. While this reflects the country’s strong resource base, it also exposes export earnings to volatility in global commodity prices and shifts in external demand.
Despite ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, mineral exports remain the primary driver of Namibia’s trade performance, with uranium, gold and diamonds continuing to underpin foreign exchange inflows and overall trade stability.
Miningandenergy.com.na
