By Victor Angula |

According to the 2025 Chamber of Mines report, mining giant Namdeb directs approximately 85% of its monthly procurement spend (around N$235 million) to Namibian-based businesses.

“Beyond spending, procurement decisions also influence employment and skills development, with Namdeb’s strategic business partners collectively employing over 1,300 people, the vast majority of whom are Namibian citizens,” states Namdeb’s corporate affairs manager Ms Grace Luvindao.

“Importantly, leading procurement models are increasingly focused on supplier development, creating pathways for small and medium enterprises to participate in larger value chains.

“Organizations like the OMDIS Town Transform Agency, a section 21 company established by Namdeb demonstrate how procurement can be leveraged to foster entrepreneurship, integrate emerging suppliers into formal supply networks, and contribute to long-term economic transformation.

“As Namibian mining companies continue to pursue high standards of integrity and sustainable value creation, procurement will remain a quiet but decisive force. It may not stand at the rock face, but it powers everything that happens there.”

Luvindao states that these procurement figures are important, and show great contribution by Namdeb to the Namibian economy.

“Mining is often judged by what happens at the rock face: drilling, blasting, hauling and processing. These visible activities shape public perception of the industry.

“Yet behind every successful mining operation lies a quieter force that determines whether production targets are met, costs are controlled, and standards are upheld. That force is procurement.

“To those outside the industry, procurement may simply appear as ‘purchasing’, but it is one of the most strategic functions within a modern mining business.

“It connects operations to complex national and global supply networks, translates corporate strategy into practical execution, and quietly safeguards the long-term sustainability of a mine.”

In the photo: Namdeb employees at one of the mining giant’s plants.