Niël Terblanché
President Nangolo Mbumba has called on the Cabinet to make the most of the few remaining weeks before the inauguration of the new administration.
Speaking at the official opening of the first Cabinet meeting of 2025 on Wednesday, Mbumba urged the members to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in delivering on their constitutional duties.
“The official opening of the first Cabinet meeting of the year is not merely ceremonial. It is an occasion where we are all reminded of our constitutional obligation as members of the executive,” he said.
He also reflected on the challenges of the past year, notably persistent droughts and a highly contested election season.
“As we conclude our business in the coming weeks, I am pleased with the economic prospects that lie ahead, mainly driven by mining, oil and gas, critical raw materials as well as green hydrogen,” he said.
He added that the Namibian economy has rebounded to pre-Covid-19 levels.
“The recovery of the non-mineral economy, particularly in tourism, is expected to create employment opportunities in 2025 and beyond,” he said.
Mbumba reiterated that the role of the Cabinet extends beyond decision-making, stating that its work must translate into real economic benefits for all Namibians.
“Decisions of Cabinet must lead to economic growth, employment creation, and poverty eradication for all our citizens, including the youth,” he stressed.
Reflecting on the Cabinet’s performance in 2024, he revealed that 22 decision-making meetings had been held, leading to 320 Cabinet decisions.
These included 229 policy initiatives, 32 administrative matters, 42 statutory submissions, and 17 legislative actions.
He urged Ministers to ensure that all outstanding programmes and policies are finalised ahead of the change in government, including initiatives related to the country’s Green Schemes, which he visited last year.
.Mbumba acknowledged that this would be his last opening of a Cabinet session, but noted that final goodbyes would be reserved for the last meeting before the new administration takes over.
He instructed Ministers to complete their handing-over reports and submit them to the Office of the President via Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
“Until then, we have work to do,” he said while urging Cabinet members to roll up their sleeves and ensure a productive conclusion to their term.
