President Dr. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah has unveiled a significant restructuring of Namibia’s government ministries, aimed at promoting economic diversification, job creation, and improved public services. Addressing the nation on March 22, 2024, following her inauguration as the fifth President of Namibia, Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah expressed gratitude for the overwhelming mandate given to her and the SWAPO Party by the people in the recent elections.
The reshuffle aligns with the country’s vision outlined in her Election Manifesto, which centers on “Unity in Diversity: Natural Resources Beneficiation, and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.” The implementation plan, which will serve as the government’s blueprint, seeks to stimulate economic growth by diversifying industries, investing in education, and empowering the youth.
In her address, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Namibians through increased access to healthcare, affordable housing, food security, and quality education. Job creation remains a top priority, and various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, mining, and the creative industries, will receive targeted interventions to accelerate socio-economic progress.
One of the major components of the restructuring is the streamlining of government operations. Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah announced that several ministries and agencies have been reorganized to eliminate redundancy, reduce expenditures, and ensure more efficient delivery of government services. Key changes include:
- The trade mandate has been moved to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, aligning it with Namibia’s economic diplomacy and the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
- Social grants management will now fall under the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, improving the distribution of grants to citizens in all regions of Namibia.
- Fisheries and marine resources have been integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform to ensure better management and sustainable development of the country’s aquatic resources.
- Higher Education and Innovation will now be part of the Ministry of Education, Arts, Sport, and Culture to improve coordination within the education sector.
- The Ministry of Mines and Energy will also take on the industrialization portfolio to drive economic diversification through value addition initiatives.
- The marginalized and disability functions will be moved to the Office of the Prime Minister for more effective coordination across the government.
Additionally, a new public entity will be created to manage Namibia’s immovable government properties and assets, while the management of the emerging oil and gas industries will now fall under the Office of the President to ensure that these sectors contribute to national development.
The newly restructured Cabinet includes ministries covering defense, home affairs, international relations, finance, agriculture, education, health, justice, and urban development.
