Namibia’s Leader Names New Minister for Mining, Energy, and Industry as Resource Sector Expands

Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has appointed Modestus Amutse as the new Minister of Mines, Energy, and Industry, effective December 2, 2025. This appointment follows the dismissal of Natangwe Ithete in October. Amutse, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology and as a member of parliament, will oversee key sectors critical to Namibia’s economic strategy, particularly as the nation seeks to initiate crude oil production by 2030 following significant recent discoveries.

Before his political career, Amutse worked as a freelance journalist at the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation. His prior role as Deputy Minister lasted from February 2024 to March 2025. The Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Industry plays a pivotal role in Namibia’s industrialization, mining, and energy transformation agenda, and the leadership ce aims to bring renewed focus and direction.

The Namibian government has expressed confidence in Amutse’s leadership capabilities, emphasizing sound governance, accountability, and effective implementation of national priorities. Stakeholders are hopeful that he will effectively address challenges while seizing opportunities within the resource sector, which is rich in uranium and diamonds.

This leadership ce is significant as it comes during a period of fast development in Namibia’s resource sector, reflecting the country’s proactive management of natural resources. The appointment of Amutse is viewed as a positive step toward advancing the nation’s industrialization and energy transformation goals, fostering economic growth through strategic leadership. With Amutse at the helm, Namibia aims for sustainable and inclusive development in its vital mining and energy industries.