Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah has revealed a reshaped Cabinet following her inauguration as the country’s fifth President. Addressing the nation on March 22, 2024, Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming mandate given to her and the SWAPO Party by the citizens in the recent presidential elections. This new leadership aims to uphold the principles of unity, youth empowerment, and sustainable development outlined in the Election Manifesto.
The President highlighted the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy and creating jobs, as well as investing in human capital through education. A major focus will be improving the quality of life for Namibians through better public services, healthcare, affordable housing, and enhanced food security.
Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah also underscored the importance of targeted interventions across key sectors, including agriculture, mining, tourism, sports, and the creative industries. These efforts are designed to accelerate Namibia’s socio-economic development.
In line with these goals, the President has restructured several ministries and agencies to eliminate duplication, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency of government operations. Among the key changes are the transfer of the trade mandate to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation to strengthen economic diplomacy, and the inclusion of social grants management under the Ministry of Finance to streamline service delivery.
Other changes include moving fisheries and marine resources to the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure sustainable resource management, while industrialization will now fall under the Ministry of Mines and Energy to align with national diversification and industrial growth. The marginalized and disability functions will be centralized under the Office of the Prime Minister to enhance coordination.
Additionally, the management of Namibia’s immovable government properties will be handed over to a newly established public entity, and the emerging oil and gas industries will now be overseen by the Office of the President to maximize national benefits.
The reshaped Cabinet will now consist of various ministries, including those dedicated to defense, home affairs, education, health, justice, and urban and rural development, with a focus on effective coordination and policy implementation across the government.