In the Ministry of Finance and Social Grants, few figures embody the spirit of dedication and innovation in public service quite like Rauna Mukumangeni does. 

She is the director of the public-private partnerships (PPPs) unit. 

Her journey from a small northern village to a strategically significant position in government is a story of perseverance, purpose and passion for nation-building. 

Born in Engela and raised in Valombola, Ongwediva , Mukumangeni describes her upbringing as a blend of simplicity, discipline and community. 

“I grew up in an era where, as children, we went back home when the streetlights came on,” she recalled with fondness. 

After completing her secondary education, she moved to Windhoek in 1998 to pursue tertiary studies. 

She has since called the capital her home. 

Today, she balances her demanding career with her roles as a wife and mother of two. 

Mukumangeni’s career began in economics, initially focusing on fisheries. 

Over time, her curiosity and commitment propelled her into a more complex and multifaceted domain, namely that of public-private partnerships. 

“I transitioned from talking fisheries economics to talking infrastructure, a wider subject that encompasses economics, legal, environmental and technical matters,” she remarked. 

Her efforts culminated in a historic milestone: becoming the first Namibian director to head the PPPs unit, succeeding a consultant with whom she had closely worked. 

Today, she is not only a certified PPPs professional but also a lawyer, combining technical expertise with policy insight to drive Namibia’s infrastructure development. 

Shaping a nation 

As director, Mukumangeni’s mission is to facilitate private sector participation in Namibia’s infrastructure development. She plays a central role in identifying potential PPP projects, guiding ministries on best practices, and leading the review of project analyses and feasibility assessments. 

Her team’s work directly influences national priorities – from roads and energy to accommodation and health infrastructure. 

“Our work contributes to Namibia’s development agenda by mobilising private investment in public infrastructure and service delivery. Through PPPs, we enhance value-for-money in government expenditure and strengthen public financial management,” she noted. 

Her leadership extends beyond administration. 

Mukumangeni is instrumental in developing standardised frameworks, mobilising resources, building institutional capacity and engaging Development Financial Institutions to ensure sustainable and innovative financing solutions. 

One defining moment in her career came when she, along with her team and ministry leadership, was invited to the State House to brief former president Nangolo Mbumba on the progress in implementing Namibia’s PPPs programme. 

“Sitting before the former president, presenting our progress, from developing the PPPs policy and institutional framework to identifying projects across sectors, I realised how our technical work directly supports her call for innovative financing,” Mukumangeni reflected. 

That encounter, she said, reaffirmed her sense of purpose. 

“Even though we have not yet reached financial close on a transaction, I know our work is laying the groundwork for investment, job creation and improved services,” she stated. 

Challenges, lessons 

Despite significant progress, Mukumangeni acknowledged that the road ahead is not without obstacles. 

“The biggest challenge is identifying and taking to market a bankable project,” she said. 

“It requires robust feasibility studies, strong inter-ministerial coordination and alignment between technical, financial and legal dimensions,” she added. 

Other hurdles include misconceptions about PPPs, staff turnover and capacity gaps within ministries. 

“Each time there’s a change, whether in leadership or staff, we often have to start afresh,” she admitted. 

Yet , she remains undeterred. 

“These challenges strengthen my resolve to keep building partnerships in that matter,” she stated. 

Mukumange n i’s motivation comes from a deep sense of calling. 

“I am driven by the legacy I hope to leave – one where the public and private sectors work hand in hand to deliver essential infrastructure and services,” she added. 

“Knowing that my work contributes to that gives me a sense of purpose,” she remarked. 

Resilience, prayer and continuous learning form the foundation of her approach. 

“I refuse to give up easily. Staying inspired is a choice. I show up every day with determination because life reflects the energy we give it,” she said. 

Outside work, Mukumangeni enjoys family time, gardening, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and travelling. 

“I’ll sign up for a trip anywhere I haven’t been before. If only money were as attracted to me as I am to it,” she joked. 

Breaking myths 

Having spent her entire career in the public sector, Mukumangeni is keenly aware of the misconceptions surrounding it. 

“Many think we sit in air-conditioned offices, waiting for knock-off time, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” she asserted. 

“Some private sector people who’ve joined government quickly realise how demanding the work actually is, and many don’t last,” she added. 

For Mukumangeni, public service is not just a job – it is a mission. 

“There are many of us who work tirelessly, often with limited resources, to deliver essential services that affect people’s lives. We take pride in our duty, our resilience and our contribution to national progress – and yes, we deserve some flowers for that,” she said. 

As she looks to the future, Mukumangeni hopes to be remembered as a principled and dedicated leader, who served with integrity, passion and resilience. 

“I want to be known for bridging the gap,” she said. 

-ebrandt@nepc.com.na