Justicia Shipena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Modestus Amutse’s leadership record at regional level strengthens the experience he brings to his new role as minister of industries, mines and energy.
Amutse’s appointment took effect on 2 December 2025.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, Amutse’s background positions him well to “administer and execute the functions of the government” at a critical time for the country.
She said the appointment follows the recent regional and local authority elections, where Namibians reaffirmed their trust in Swapo.
She said the eighth administration is focused on quality service delivery, accountability and the implementation of national priorities.
“This appointment comes at a critical moment,” she said.
She wished Amutse success as he entered the ministry at a time when Namibia was advancing industrialisation, strengthening the mining sector, and accelerating progress in the energy space to support sustainable development across all 14 regions.
Amutse previously served as deputy minister of information and communication technology and earlier as a member of parliament and chairperson of a National Assembly standing committee.
Before joining national politics, he held several leadership roles in regional governance.
He replaces defence minister Frans Kapofi, who acted in the position after Natangue Ithete was dismissed a month ago by Nandi-Ndaitwah for violating a presidential moratorium on oil deals.
Kapofi kept the seat warm during the transition and is known to have pushed for a proposal in the National Assembly that would shift key powers under the Petroleum Act from the minister to the President.
The amendment seeks to give Nandi-Ndaitwah authority to grant, renew or revoke oil and gas exploration licences and production rights.
The plan is now on hold and will return to parliament in February next year when the house resumes.
Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked Kapofi for stepping in, noting his steady leadership and the support he gave the ministry during the interim period.
Economist Josef Sheehama said on Tuesday that former chief executive officer of the state-owned Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia), Kennedy Hamutenya, deserves to be minister of mines and energy.
He says Hamutenya has outstanding analytical and communication skills, a deep understanding of energy and mining policies and leadership experience in the field.
Sheehama said he [Hamutenya] has the capability to integrate mining into the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) to enhance implementation by aligning the sector with national economic and social goals.
He said Hamutenya would ensure that mining drives inclusive and sustainable growth beyond the life of the mine.
Caption
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Tuesday announced the appointment of Modestus Amutse as the new minister of industries, mines and energy.
Photo: Namibian Presidency
