Windhoek: Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua on Tuesday said mining presents the region's biggest opportunity to accelerate economic growth towards Vision 2030, describing the sector as a key driver of employment creation, local beneficiation, and sustainable development. Delivering the State of the Region Address under the theme, "Fast Tracking Kunene Region Towards Vision 2030," in Opuwo, Muharukua emphasized that mining should no longer be viewed as a peripheral activity.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Muharukua stated that mining is a significant emerging economic pillar for the Kunene Region and must be treated with appropriate seriousness and strategic focus. He highlighted the need to transform Kunene's mineral wealth into structured production systems that benefit communities, create jobs, and contribute to long-term regional prosperity.
He revealed that as of 24 June 2026, Kunene had recorded 2,447 mineral rights either granted or under application, including mining claims, exclusive prospecting licences, and mining licences. The governor noted that the region generated more than N.dollars 5.5 million in mineral-rights revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year and now ranks second after Erongo in terms of mineral-rights activity.
Muharukua stressed that the growing interest from investors must translate into responsible exploration, legal mining, local employment, mineral beneficiation, community benefits, infrastructure development, and long-term regional growth. He advocated for formalizing and supporting small-scale mining as a practical pathway for rural employment, youth enterprise, and community wealth creation.
The governor called for the establishment of fully fledged Department of Mines offices in Opuwo and Khorixas to strengthen mineral governance and service delivery. He also expressed concern over the lack of local payment facilities for mining services and urged mining claim holders to form cooperatives to improve access to funding, technical support, equipment, and markets.
'The wealth beneath our soil must translate into livelihoods above the ground. Let Kunene be known not only as a region of mineral possibility, but as a region where mining becomes a pillar and driver towards Vision 2030,' Muharukua concluded.