Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah Assumes Control of Mines, Energy and Industry Ministry After Cabinet Shake-Up

Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has taken direct control of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy following the dismissal of Natangwe Ithete from his dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the portfolio, the Presidency announced in a statement on Sunday.

The statement said the move was made “in the interest of ensuring continuity and effective coordination within this key sector,” and confirmed that President Nandi-Ndaitwah would immediately assume ministerial responsibilities.

No official reason for Ithete’s removal was provided.

Ithete, who was appointed to the positions in March 2025 as part of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new administration, will retain his seat in parliament, according to the statement.

The shake-up comes at a pivotal moment for Namibia’s fast-growing extractive sector, as the resource-rich nation accelerates efforts to begin crude oil production by 2030 following several high-profile discoveries off its Atlantic coast.

Namibia is already a significant global supplier of uranium and diamonds and has recently attracted strong international interest in green hydrogen and renewable energy development.

Analysts view the President’s decision as a signal of her intent to tighten oversight of the strategically vital ministry, which is central to Namibia’s ambitions to transform its resource wealth into sustainable national growth.