Namibia Launches First-Ever Women in Mining Mentorship Platform to Boost Inclusion and Innovation

Namibia Launches First-Ever Women in Mining Mentorship Platform to Boost Inclusion and Innovation. In a landmark move to promote gender inclusion in the extractives industry, the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) has officially launched the Women in Mining Namibia (WiMAN) mentorship and coaching platform on 13 June 2025.

Launched by MIME Executive Director Ben Nangombe, the platform is set to provide structured support for women across various stages of their mining careers—from seasoned professionals to recent graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs. WiMAN is the first platform of its kind in Namibia and across the African continent.

Speaking at the launch, Nangombe urged mining companies to be intentional about creating opportunities for women-owned businesses and women-led innovations. “Integrating women into the mining supply chain opens avenues for empowerment and innovation,” he stated.

He further emphasised that the barriers to women’s participation in the mining sector are not due to a lack of talent, but rather to limited access, outdated norms, and institutional gaps. “Women bring diverse perspectives to complex challenges—from environmental sustainability to community engagement,” Nangombe added.

The WiMAN platform will also serve Namibian women in the diaspora and internationally, creating global connections and mentorship avenues. It aims to close the opportunity gap and build a robust network of women ready to lead and transform the mining industry.

The launch coincides with the upcoming International Women in Mining Day, to be observed on Sunday, 15 June 2025, further reinforcing Namibia’s commitment to gender equity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Financial institutions and industry stakeholders have been called upon to design targeted support mechanisms to ensure women entrepreneurs are fully equipped to succeed.