Namibia’s oil and gas sector will now be managed under the Office of the President, moving from the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The shift aims to maximize national benefits from the country’s emerging petroleum industry.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the decision on Saturday while unveiling her new Cabinet.
“The new emerging industries of oil and gas need to be managed in a manner that maximizes benefits for all Namibians.
Therefore, the management of these industries will fall under the Office of the President,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated.
The oil and gas sector is expected 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, in line with the Swapo manifesto released last year, which committed to conducting a feasibility study for a local refinery to boost value addition.
The manifesto also underscored the need for 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 Tom Alweendo. Gaudentia Kröhne has been named Deputy Minister.
Additionally, the Ministry of Mines 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 a strong advocate for ensuring that communities benefit more from Namibia’s natural resources.
