Niël Terblanché
The deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete, called for the transformation of his ministry into a model institution.
He wants it to deliver efficient, people-centred services while driving industrialisation and job creation.
Speaking at a regional staff meeting in Oshakati on Friday, Ithete urged ministry employees across the country to embrace reform and innovation.
“You are the heartbeat of this ministry, whether you work in Windhoek or the regions. Your efforts, commitment, and professionalism have laid the foundation for the progress we have made thus far,” he said.
Ithete outlined his vision for the ministry which is to become a leading public service institution, to establish Namibia as Africa’s manufacturing base, to promote value addition of natural resources, and to foster job creation through local content policies.
Central to this vision is modernising the ministry’s systems.
“We should modernise our systems to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve access to services across all regions of the country,” he said.
He mentioned ongoing work led by the Office of the Prime Minister to review outdated policies, regulations, and processes that hinder service delivery.
“We must act decisively to remove these obstacles and replace them with a smart, citizen-friendly system,” Ithete urged.
He stressed that industrial development is key to building an inclusive and resilient Namibian economy.
“A strong industrial sector, with competitive manufacturing, agro-processing, and value chain integration, is the backbone of long-term growth, self-sufficiency, and job creation,” he said.
Ithete said the government plans to increase support for industrial parks, special economic zones, and local manufacturing hubs, especially in areas with high unemployment.
He called for moving away from exporting raw minerals.
“We must focus on value addition, transforming our raw materials into finished goods and industrial inputs right here on Namibian soil. This is how we create jobs. This is how we build industries,” he explained.
Ithete urged staff to support efforts to increase Namibian participation in key sectors, not just as workers but as entrepreneurs, suppliers, and owners.
“Namibians must be at the centre of economic participation,” he said, calling for frameworks that require companies to contribute to local job creation, skills transfers, and procurement.
He encouraged awareness of regional trade opportunities.
“Let us therefore raise awareness and sensitise our people to leverage regional trade agreements such as SACU and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Let us make ‘Made in Namibia’ not just a slogan but a mark of quality and pride,” he said.
Ithete said he is committed to providing leadership, resources, and reforms.
“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.
