Swakop Uranium — uranium mining operator and foundation investing in Namibian infrastructure, education, and community projects through desalination ventures and corporate social responsibility.
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August 2026
New Era
Swakop Uraniumis hostingthe ninth annual Husab Marathon with over 3,500 runners
Source
“The ninth annual Swakop Uranium Husab Marathon is set to take place tomorrow outside Swakopmund in the Erongo region, with close to 3 500 runners registered to compete across four race categories.”
Swakop Uranium Foundationinvested approximatelyN$500,000 to upgrade Epako Old Age Home and Light of the Children Kindergarten in Gobabis
Source
“The Swakop Uranium Foundation has invested approximately N$500 000 to upgrade the Epako Old Age Home and the Light of the Children Kindergarten in Gobabis to boost community welfare in the Omaheke region.”
“Alongside Rössing, operations such as the Husab Mine, operated by Swakop Uranium, and the Langer Heinrich Mine, operated by Paladin Energy, consistently place Namibia among the world's top uranium-producing nations.”
Swakop Uraniumagreed to explorepotential partnerships for Namibia's digital development
Source
“THE Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Swakop Uranium have agreed to explore potential partnerships aimed at advancing Namibia's digital development agenda, with discussions focusing on expanding digital connectivity, improving infrastructure and promoting digital inclusion across the country.”
“He also pointed to the N$200 million Naute-Keetmanshoop Pipeline and the N$2.1 billion Erongo SUNam Desalination Plant, a joint venture between Swakop Uranium and NamWater, as examples of government-backed investment in water infrastructure.”
Swakop Uranium FoundationmadeN$3 million investment in Farm Nuwehoop project
Source
“The Farm Nuwehoop project in the Omaheke Region was officially revitalised on Friday through a substantial N$3 million investment by the Swakop Uranium Foundation to bolster agricultural development and combat food insecurity.”
“The Langer Heinrich mine is owned by Australia's Paladin Energy, the Husab mine is owned by China General Nuclear Power and operated by Swakop Uranium, and the Rössing mine is majority-owned by China National Uranium Corporation.”
The Swakop Uranium Husab Marathon is set to take place outside Swakopmund with close to 3,500 runners registered across four race categories (42.2km full marathon, 21.1km half-marathon, 10km and 5km races). Leading athletes including renowned distance runner Alina Armas are expected to compete on scenic desert routes.
The Swakop Uranium Husab Marathon is set to take place outside Swakopmund with close to 3,500 runners registered across four race categories (42.2km full marathon, 21.1km half-marathon, 10km and 5km races). Leading athletes including renowned distance runner Alina Armas are expected to compete on scenic desert routes.
The Swakop Uranium Foundation has invested approximately N$500,000 to upgrade the Epako Old Age Home and Light of the Children Kindergarten in Gobabis, funding infrastructure improvements, equipment, and maintenance such as new kitchen equipment, laundry machines, furniture, repainting, and repairs to windows and doors.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference, themed "From Dialogue to Delivery: Assessing Progress in Creating Mining-Led Economic Growth and Employment Since NamPPF." The President stated that the mining sector remains one of Namibia's leading economic sectors towards Vision 2030.
Namibia's mining sector, from ancient copper extraction to modern diamonds and uranium, contributes approximately 13–14% of GDP and generates more than 60% of export earnings in many years. The article questions whether Namibia has captured the full value of its mineral wealth over more than a century of industrial mining.
Namibia's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Swakop Uranium have agreed to explore partnerships to advance digital development, focusing on expanding connectivity, improving infrastructure, and promoting digital inclusion. The discussions highlight the government's challenges in deploying telecommunications infrastructure in areas without reliable electricity supply.
NamWater's Head of Public Relations argued the corporation has been considerate with water pricing, noting that tariffs have not been adjusted for more than five years despite operating on 2019 costs, while acknowledging the corporation has applied for tariff adjustments.
Prime Minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare officially launched the Erongo SUNAM Desalination project on 24 June 2026, a N$2.1 billion initiative developed over more than two decades to address water scarcity and support economic growth.
The Swakop Uranium Foundation invested N$3 million to rehabilitate Farm Nuwehoop in Omaheke Region, upgrading infrastructure with boreholes, water tanks, livestock facilities, and greenhouses to improve food security for vulnerable populations while generating income through surplus sales.
Namibia ranked third globally in uranium production in 2024 with 12.18% of world output. Uranium ore and concentrates generated N$28.1 billion in exports in 2025, representing 31% of total export revenue, supported by rising global uranium prices that reached US$85.90/lb.
Prime Minister Ngurare has officially launched the Erongo SUNAM Desalination Project, a joint venture between NamWater and Swakop Uranium valued at N$2.1 billion that aims to deliver about 20 million cubic metres of desalinated water annually. The project, financed through a 70/30 shareholding structure with Government commitment of N$200 million in equity, is expected to reach financial close in July 2026 and begin commercial operations in June 2028.
Dr. Benonia Rafael delivered a vote of thanks at the launch of the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination project, commending the Prime Minister and other government officials for their support. The project involves Chinese partners and is positioned as part of Namibia's water security and infrastructure-led growth priorities.
Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses has received cross-party recognition for her financial stewardship, including clean audits as a regional officer and moving the governor's office from costly hotel accommodation to a renovated government building funded by donations.
Namibia's Mineworkers' Union of Namibia channels members' dues through Namibia Miners Investment Trust (Namit) and Nam-Mic Holdings, which have grown into a N$900-million portfolio with stakes in banks, mines, hotels and other sectors. Members and their representatives say they have seen little benefit from their decades of contributions and allege lack of transparency and financial irregularities.
Erongo Region Governor Nathalia /Goagoses said regional leadership is actively working to address water supply instability, expressing optimism that a planned second desalination plant will help reduce pressure on existing water resources. The Governor acknowledged that parts of the region, including Otjimbingwe, continue to experience serious water supply challenges, but assured residents that regional authorities are working to resolve the issue.
Swakop Uranium says Husab Mine, operated in partnership between Namibia (10% via Epangelo) and China (90% via Taurus Minerals), remains in early operational lifecycle and has not yet paid dividends or tax despite large-scale production, citing its US$5 billion upfront investment and resulting tax loss profile.
Rising fuel prices and global supply shocks, driven by conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, are pushing mining companies to rethink operations. Husab mine has introduced a trolley line system that allows trucks to switch from diesel to electricity on steep ramps, reducing fuel consumption and improving efficiency.
Petrus !Ganeb Secondary School at Uis in the Erongo region has received 20 computers, a printer and networking equipment valued at N$347 000 from the Swakop Uranium Foundation to bridge technological gaps in rural education.
Petrus !Ganeb Secondary School at Uis in the Erongo region received 20 computers, a printer, and networking equipment valued at N$347,000 from the Swakop Uranium Foundation. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the donation supports the foundation's ten-year commitment to bridging the digital divide in Namibian schools, particularly in rural areas.
The Education Minister inaugurated a computer laboratory at Petrus !Ganeb Secondary School in Uis, donated by Swakop Uranium Foundation with 20 computers and networking infrastructure. The minister reaffirmed government commitment to digital education through partnerships while acknowledging persistent technology access gaps in rural areas.
The Africa Economic Leadership Council will hold a three-day Invest in Africa Trade Expo and business summit in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May, aiming to connect African entrepreneurs and businesses and unpack opportunities in sectors including oil and gas, natural resources, and minerals beneficiation as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
The Hope Farm project, launched by Swakop Uranium a year ago, has successfully grown its herds despite challenging conditions in Erongo; 48 beneficiaries (22 women and 26 men) who received 630 goats and sheep have increased their stock to 1,248 animals through the revolving model that requires beneficiaries to return livestock to support new participants.
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani oversaw the official handover of Hope Farm project phase II in Erongo, which has supported 48 farmers (including 22 women) with 1,008 goats and sheep through cooperatives. The initial herd grew from 630 to 751 animals in one production cycle, demonstrating successful management and beneficiary commitment to improved practices.
The Hope Farm Project in Erongo, a joint initiative by the agriculture ministry and Swakop Uranium Foundation, handed over additional small stock to farmers on Monday in its second phase. The revolving programme, which has benefited 48 farmers so far with over 1,000 goats and sheep, requires beneficiaries to return a portion of their herd after two years to support new participants.
Opposition MPs and analysts have criticized the government's agreement to give China General Nuclear Power Group a 70% controlling stake in a N$3-billion coastal desalination plant while the state retains only 30%, raising concerns about water sovereignty and affordability for poor Namibians. NamWater and Swakop Uranium defended the joint venture structure as necessary to finance critical infrastructure while maintaining public sector participation.
NamWater and Swakop Uranium will jointly develop a new desalination plant in Erongo, with the government holding a 30% stake and the uranium miner 70%, at a cost of N$2.1 billion based on a 2021 feasibility study. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and be completed by mid-2028, adding 20 million cubic metres of water annually to meet growing demand from the mining sector.
Namibia's deputy minister of industries, mines and energy told the Africa Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town that Namibia offers stable mining conditions and positions itself as a strategic partner in the global energy transition, with uranium production complemented by offshore oil and gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. The minister highlighted investment-ready projects and commitments to beneficiation, artisanal mining support, and sustainable development.
At the 2026 Africa Mining Indaba, Deputy Minister Kröhne positioned Namibia as a stable, investor-ready destination seeking mineral beneficiation partnerships rather than raw material exports alone. The strategy emphasizes policy certainty, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and leveraging the country's uranium, diamonds, and offshore discoveries to power industrial growth and regional energy security.