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On 16 May 2025, at a regional staff meeting in Oshakati, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy,Natangue Ithete, delivered a stirring keynote address that reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a more inclusive, industrialised and empowered Namibia. Addressing Ministry staff, stakeholders and members of the media, the Minister outlined a bold, future-facing vision rooted in excellence, innovation and national pride.
With deep appreciation for the civil servants across all regions, Ithete described them as the heartbeat of the Ministry, acknowledging their critical role in enabling the functioning of Namibia’s industrial, mining and energy sectors. Their work often invisible yet indispensable lays the groundwork for the regulations, permits, and projects that fuel national progress.
The Minister articulated four core priorities to guide the Ministry’s trajectory: transforming the institution into a model of public service delivery; industrialising Namibia into Africa’s manufacturing hub; turning natural resources into opportunities through value addition; and creating jobs through local content and beneficiation.
Hon. Ithete called for a public service culture that is people-centred, efficient, and respected a Ministry where the public feels seen, heard, and satisfied. This transformation, he emphasised, would position the Ministry not just as an administrative body, but as a true steward of economic development and public trust.
At the heart of his vision lies the urgent need for industrial development. A robust industrial base spanning manufacturing, agro-processing, and integrated value chains was described as essential for long-term economic self-sufficiency. The Minister highlighted government plans to scale support for industrial parks, economic zones, and local manufacturing initiatives, particularly in areas of high unemployment. This effort will be driven in partnership with private sector actors to ensure policy alignment and practical impact.
Empowering SMEs was also highlighted as a critical enabler of economic growth. Through access to finance, reliable energy, streamlined regulations and expanded market access, Namibia’s small and medium businesses will be equipped to thrive. The Minister urged staff to promote regional trade agreements such as SACU and AfCFTA as levers for competitiveness, encouraging a shift in public consciousness toward viewing “Made in Namibia” as a mark of pride and quality.
Namibia’s mineral wealth was described not as an end in itself, but as a platform for transformative value creation. The Minister urged a move away from raw extraction toward local processing and beneficiation, which would enable job creation, industry growth and economic inclusion. By keeping value within national borders, Namibia can become an exporter of finished goods and industrial inputs, rather than raw commodities.
Local content, he stressed, must be more than policy it must become personal. Namibians must be empowered not only as workers, but as owners, engineers, suppliers and entrepreneurs in their own industries. Every investment, the Minister insisted, must be evaluated on how much value it retains locally and how many lives it uplifts.
Internally, the Ministry is undergoing its own transformation. Ithete underscored the importance of modernising systems, digitising services and reforming outdated regulations. With the Office of the Prime Minister already spearheading a review of policies that hinder effective service delivery, the Ministry aims to become faster, more responsive, and more accessible across the country.
This shift will require a shared commitment across all levels of the Ministry to a culture of excellence, accountability and innovation. The Minister made it clear: transformation is not just a leadership task, but a collective mission.
In closing, Ithete honoured the staff as the “true captains of industries” and called on them to stay the course with renewed purpose. With ongoing leadership, resources, and structural reforms, he pledged his full support to ensure that public servants across the Ministry can continue to serve with pride and impact.
His closing words captured the tone of the address: one of service, duty, and national pride. “Let us make this Ministry the engine of industrial growth, the steward of our natural wealth, and a true model of public service in Namibia,” he said. “May we serve Namibia with honour, and may God bless the Republic of Namibia.
