Tsumeb Copper Festival 2025 Celebrates 120 Years of Innovation and Community Growth

Tsumeb Copper Festival 2025 Celebrates 120 Years of Innovation and Community Growth. The 2025 Tsumeb Copper Festival was officially opened by Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, under the theme “120 Years of Innovation and Cultural Emancipation – Celebrating 20 Years of the Tsumeb Copper Festival (2003–2025)” on 30 October 2025 in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region..

In her opening remarks, Hon. Ashipala-Musavyi highlighted the significance of this year’s celebration, which marks both the 120th anniversary of Tsumeb and the 20th anniversary of the Copper Festival. She described the occasion as a reflection of innovation, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of community empowerment.

The Minister commended Tsumeb’s evolution from a mining town into a dynamic centre of industry and social development, noting that this transformation demonstrates Namibia’s resilience and dedication to inclusive progress.

She further stated that the festival’s theme aligns with the country’s long-term development frameworks, including Vision 2030, the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). It also resonates with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which calls for sustainable growth, innovation, and youth empowerment across the continent.

Accompanied by regional governors, the Mayor of Tsumeb, and other dignitaries, Hon. Ashipala-Musavyi officially lit the Festival torch, symbolising the city’s enduring legacy. The event also featured a symbolic release of 120 balloons and 20 doves by local schoolchildren, representing Tsumeb’s 120 years of existence and the 20th edition of the Copper Festival.