• President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removes Industry, Mines and Energy Minister Natangwe Ithete.
• Namibia seeks to accelerate development of offshore hydrocarbons and green hydrogen.
• Mining contributed 14.4% of GDP in 2023 and includes uranium, diamonds and gold.

The presidency announced on Sunday, October 26, the dismissal of Natangwe Ithete as Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy. Officials did not specify the reasons. The presidential statement confirmed that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will now manage the ministry.

“The President relieves Honourable Natangwe Ithete from his duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy. […]. To ensure continuity and effective coordination within this key sector, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will assume responsibility for the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy with immediate effect,” the statement said. Officials did not clarify whether the government will appoint a new minister later.

The presidency reinforces the strategic importance of this portfolio. Shortly after her inauguration in March, Nandi-Ndaitwah already placed oversight of the emerging oil and gas sector under the Office of the President. The government targets first national hydrocarbon production later next decade.

Major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin drive that ambition. Projects include TotalEnergies’ Venus field, Shell’s Graff field and Galp’s Mopane field.

Namibia remains a leading African mining country. It ranks as Africa’s top uranium producer and also extracts diamonds and gold. The Chamber of Mines reports that mining represented around 14.4% of GDP in 2023.

The presidential decision comes as Namibia positions itself as an emerging hub for green hydrogen. Authorities also explore opportunities to build a domestic civil nuclear industry. Analysts watch how the president will set priorities and implement measures following the restructuring.

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum