Okotjize wins NamXplor mining challenge

Ten Namibian exploration and early-stage mining projects were shortlisted to present their investment opportunities at the NamXplor Mining Project Pitch Challenge on 6 August 2026.

The challenge was held during the Namibia Mining Expo and Conference, hosted by the Chamber of Mines of Namibia.

The initiative was hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), with Appian Capital Advisory as its founding strategic partner.

Projects seek capital and expertise

The challenge gave exploration and development-stage mining projects an opportunity to present directly to investors, mining companies, financiers and strategic partners.

The aim was to connect promising projects with the capital, technical expertise and partnerships needed to accelerate their development.

K2 Mapasa, head of Africa and the Middle East at Appian Capital Advisory, said Namibia had no shortage of investor interest in its mining sector.

“What is needed are more advanced and professionally managed projects that meet investors’ expectations,” Mapasa said.

“NamXplor was designed to help close that gap and build a stronger pipeline of investment-ready projects for the country.

“As a leading global private equity firm in metals and mining, with a strong presence in Namibia, Appian welcomed the opportunity to support the competition and offer its expertise to the participants.”

Selected project owners also received investment-readiness coaching, technical feedback from industry experts and exposure to investors and financiers.

They were given an opportunity to pitch to Appian Capital Advisory and potentially engage with selected strategic partners after the event.

The Okotjize Iron Ore Project, presented by project promoter Theresia Aochamus, emerged as the winner.

ABMogn Exploration placed second, while the Mickal Critical Minerals Project took third place.

Iron-ore project takes top prize

For Aochamus, the recognition marked an important milestone in the development of the Okotjize Iron Ore Project.

The exploration-stage iron-ore opportunity is located in Namibia’s Erongo region, where Aochamus has been advancing the project through reconnaissance and fieldwork.

She is now seeking suitable strategic investors and development partners for the next stage of exploration and development.

Aochamus said the significance of NamXplor extended beyond the winning projects.

“The most important thing is that these projects have been given a platform to be seen by investors,” she said.

“There are Namibian project owners with mineral opportunities that require capital, technical expertise and strategic partnerships to move their projects forward.”

The initiative also supports Namibia’s broader objective of attracting investment into mining, mineral beneficiation, value addition, local participation and industrialisation.

For the nine shortlisted project owners, the challenge provided an opportunity to increase the visibility of Namibian opportunities and build relationships with potential investors, financiers and strategic partners.

“NamXplor is about turning Namibia’s mineral potential into investable opportunities by connecting project owners with the capital, expertise and strategic partnerships needed to advance their projects,” said Julia Muetudhana, acting chief executive of NIPDB.

“We invite investors and partners to work with NIPDB in unlocking the next generation of mining, innovation and technology opportunities for Namibia.”

Women make their mark

The challenge also highlighted the importance of women’s participation and leadership in Namibia’s mining and exploration sector.

The Okotjize Iron Ore Project took first place, while the Mickal Critical Minerals Project took third.

For Aochamus, the recognition was an opportunity to encourage more women to view mining as an industry in which they could participate, own projects and lead businesses.

“I want to encourage more women to see mining as an industry where they can participate, own projects and lead businesses,” she said.

“My own transition from a career in dentistry into mining has shown me that women can successfully step beyond traditional career paths, take up opportunities and lead in industries such as mining.

“I would like to see more Namibian women step forward and become part of the development of our country’s mineral resources.”

Acknowledgement

Aochamus expressed her appreciation to NIPDB and the NamXplor team, with special thanks to Andreas Salom, acting senior manager for investment analysis and development, for his co-ordination and support.

“I am grateful to NIPDB, Appian Capital Advisory, the Chamber of Mines and everyone who made this opportunity possible,” she said.

“I encourage everyone with a promising project to participate in the next NamXplor Pitch Challenge.

“It is an excellent platform to gain exposure, learn and connect with potential investors and strategic partners.”

For Okotjize, the next step is to continue the technical work required to advance the project while engaging potential investors and strategic partners.