The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has appointed its new board of directors, effective 1 January 2025 until 31 December 2027. 

The board was appointed by the finance and public enterprises minister, Ipumbu Shiimi, in line with the Public Enterprise Governance Act No. 1 of 2019 (PEGA). 

The appointments highlight confidence in the board’s leadership and its dedication to advancing DBN’s vision of driving sustainable economic development. 

Leading the new board is Evangelina Nailenge as chairperson, supported by Willy Mertens as deputy chairperson. 

Patience Kanalelo and Marsorry Ickua will serve as board members, alongside John Steytler, who also serves as an ex-officio member in his capacity as DBN CEO. 

Notably, four members of the board Nailenge, Mertens, Kanalelo and Ickua have been retained from the previous term. 

Their reappointment reflects the confidence in their collective expertise, leadership and commitment to advancing Namibia’s economic development agenda.

Reflecting on her appointment, Nailenge expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the board during this critical period.

 “I am deeply honoured by the confidence bestowed in me to chair the board of the DBN for the next three years. Together with my fellow board members, we will ensure that DBN’s five-year strategic plan translates into impactful results that benefit the Namibian economy and its people,” she said.

The board is vested with comprehensive fiduciary powers to govern the bank. 

The appointed members bring a wealth of expertise from diverse industries. 

Their collective leadership is expected to steer DBN’s strategic direction in fulfilling its mandate. 

Commenting on the appointments, Steytler, DBN CEO, said “with the board’s continued stewardship, I am confident that DBN will expand its reach and deepen its impact, driving transformational change in Namibia’s economic landscape. Their appointment ensures continuity in our efforts to support economic growth and create opportunities for all Namibians”.