SWAKOPMUND – The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) has embarked on a crucial four-day strategic retreat in Swakopmund.
It is aimed at defining its direction for the next six years, and reinforcing its commitment to national development.
The retreat is focused on crafting MIME’s 2025/26–2030/31 strategic plan and the annual plan for 2025/26, as well as performance agreements for senior leadership.
These plans are expected to be finalised and submitted before 30 April.
The retreat follows a directive from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for accelerated implementation in line with the Swapo Party manifesto.
Speaking at the official opening, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of MIME Natangwe Ithete said the retreat is not a ceremonial gathering, but a strategic intervention to realign the ministry with Namibia’s current development agenda.
“This retreat is critical for aligning our strategic goals with the national development agenda. It provides an opportunity to reflect, redefine our vision, mission and core values, and reposition the ministry as a dynamic driver of industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable resource management.
We must ensure our foundation is reinforced to be impactful and aligned with the developmental aspirations of our people,” the minister said.
He added that it is imperative for the ministry to conduct a thorough strategic analysis to position itself as a proactive and progressive institution.
“Our plan must, therefore, serve as a living tool that drives results, fosters innovation and delivers impact. As we enter the implementation phase aligned with the current administration’s first electoral mandate, we must act boldly and cohesively, in line with the directives of the president,” he stressed.
Executive director of the ministry Ben Nangombe highlighted the urgency of the task at hand, pointing out that the retreat comes amid a national leadership transition and growing public demand for improved service delivery.
“We are here to plan, analyse and produce documents that will guide our ministry to deliver more, deliver better, and deliver consistently. This plan must become a living tool that delivers impact and drives transformation across all regions of Namibia,” he said.
On her part, MIME deputy minister Gaudentia Krohne urged the ministry to build on the momentum created by the new administration and prioritise innovation and teamwork.
“We must not simply comply with the planning process. This is about transformation and impact,” she said. “Let us rise to the occasion, and produce strategies that will truly empower our people and ensure energy security and industrial growth,” she appealed.