Strengthening Climate Justice in Namibia: PACJA Establishes Designated National Platform

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) continues to expand its mission of climate justice across Africa through localized platforms, ensuring that communities have a voice in sustainable development and resource governance. In a landmark development, PACJA officially established its Designated National Platform (DNP) in Namibia during a consultative meeting held on February 7, 2025, in Windhoek.

The meeting, co-organized by PACJA and Women in Agriculture, focused on the role of critical minerals in shaping Namibia’s sustainable development and empowering local communities. Stakeholders from across sectors convened to discuss how Namibia can maximize the economic benefits of its mineral wealth while prioritizing environmental stewardship and social equity.

In his special address, PACJA Executive Director Dr. Mithika Mwenda outlined the strategic vision for the Namibia DNP, emphasizing its alignment with PACJA’s broader climate justice framework. He underscored the need for local ownership, value addition in mineral processing, and the importance of building a resilient governance structure to ensure that the extractive industry benefits the people of Namibia.

New Leadership Structure for Namibia DNP (2025-2026)

The newly appointed leadership team will guide the Namibia DNP’s agenda over the next year, ensuring that climate justice advocacy remains responsive to national priorities while contributing to PACJA’s continental objectives. The leadership team comprises:

• Coordinator: Helvi Shidume
• Co-coordinator: Victoria Kalwenya

    Key Thematic Leads:

• Resilience Building and Adaptation – Jasper Kassoma
• Mitigation and Just Transition – Deon Shekuza
• Climate Finance – Mattheus Shivute
• Gender, Youth, and Marginalized Groups – Anna Mulundu
• Technology, Knowledge Management, and Capacity (TEKNOCA) – David Anghuwo
• Overseer: Hilma Angula
• Mentor/Guidance: Esther Ndashaala

The leadership team will oversee a multi-sectoral approach, ensuring that Namibia’s climate justice efforts are rooted in community engagement, youth empowerment, and sustainable resource management.

Key Discussion Points: Unlocking the Potential of Critical Minerals

The meeting placed special emphasis on how Namibia can strategically leverage its vast mineral resources for sustainable development. The discussions covered several key areas, including:

1. Economic Value Addition in Mineral Processing: Rather than exporting raw minerals, Namibia must develop its own mineral processing capabilities to generate higher economic returns, create jobs, and drive industrialization.
2. Skills Development and Local Capacity Building: Investment in technical education and vocational training will ensure that Namibians, particularly youth, can participate meaningfully in the critical minerals sector.
3. Environmental Stewardship: The extractive sector must prioritize sustainability, incorporating stringent environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and ensuring that local communities play a role in decision-making processes.
4. Youth Empowerment in the Mineral Sector: Creating avenues for youth participation in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship will foster a dynamic, inclusive mining industry that benefits future generations.
5. Community-Driven Development Initiatives: Policies must ensure that local communities benefit directly from mineral wealth through social investment programs, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and enhanced governance structures.

Addressing Challenges and the Path Forward

While Namibia holds immense potential in the critical minerals sector, several challenges remain:

• Lack of local expertise in mineral processing
• Risk of foreign exploitation of resources
• Weak policy frameworks to ensure community benefits
• Environmental risks, particularly concerning water usage and biodiversity

To counter these challenges, the Namibia DNP will work on:

✅ Enhancing local skills through education and capacity-building initiatives

✅ Strengthening policies that promote local ownership of natural resources

✅ Advocating for climate-resilient mining practices

✅ Ensuring community participation in mineral governance

The establishment of the PACJA Namibia DNP marks a pivotal step in strengthening climate justice advocacy across Africa. By focusing on critical minerals, sustainable development, and inclusive governance, the platform will serve as a crucial link between PACJA’s strategic initiatives and Namibia’s local communities.

Moving forward, PACJA’s Namibia chapter will play a vital role in ensuring that the extractive sector aligns with Africa’s climate justice agenda, creating a just and equitable future for all.

For inquiries about how to be part of this platform, contact PACJA Namibia DNP via email at namibiapacja@gmail.com.