Namibian President Assumes Charge of Mines, Energy, and Industry Ministry

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed Natangwe Ithete from his positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, the presidency said in a statement on Sunday.

“To ensure continuity and effective coordination in this critical sector, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will, with immediate effect, take charge of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy,” the statement said, without providing a reason for the change.

Ithete was appointed to the roles in March as part of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new administration. The statement added that he will continue to serve as a member of parliament.

Resource-rich Namibia, which mines commodities such as uranium and diamonds, is aiming to begin its first crude oil production by 2030 following several major discoveries in recent years.