The management of Namibia’s oil and gas sector will now fall under the Office of the President, shifting from the Ministry of Mines and Energy in a move aimed at maximizing national benefits from the emerging industry.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made the announcement on Saturday while unveiling her new Cabinet.
“The new emerging industries of oil and gas need to be managed in the manner that maximizes benefits for all Namibians. Therefore, the management of these industries will fall under the Office of the President,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The oil and gas sector is projected to contribute approximately N$11.5 billion annually once production begins and could potentially double Namibia’s GDP by 2040.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration has prioritized the sector, aligning with the Swapo manifesto released last year, which committed to conducting a feasibility study for a local refinery to enhance value addition.
The manifesto also emphasized the urgency of enacting a comprehensive law to regulate the industry, ensuring local ownership and participation.
Meanwhile, the President has appointed parliamentarian Natangwe Ithete as the new Minister of Mines, replacing outgoing minister Tom Alweendo.
Gaudentia Kröhne has been named Deputy Minister.
In addition, the Mines Ministry will now incorporate Industrialization, a function previously managed by the Ministry of Trade, to enhance economic diversification and value addition.
Ithete, who previously chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration, has been vocal about the need for communities to benefit more from the country’s natural resources.
