Also known as: erstwhile finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi · Minister of finance and public enterprises Iipumbu Shiimi · Shiiimi · finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi · former minister of finance Iipumbu Shiimi
Chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning, overseeing government project execution and accountability.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Iipumbu Shiimi says concerns about high levels of indebtedness among Namibians were growing
“Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi says concerns about high levels of indebtedness among Namibians were growing.”
Workers clock in at 03h00 to avoid lendersNew Era
Iipumbu Shiimi raised concerns about people committing suicide because of debt from cash loans
“Shiimi, who is also the former central bank governor, raised concerns about people committing suicide because of debt from cash loans.”
MPs take aim at loan sharksThe Namibian
Former minister of finance Iipumbu Shiimi rejected a proposed salary increase for magistrates in a letter dated 2 October 2023
“In a letter dated 2 October 2023, Shiimi rejected a proposed salary increase for magistrates for the 2024/25 financial year, saying it would cost an additional N$9.6 million and increase the judiciary's wage bill by 20%.”
Magistrates take Govt to court over pay, perksThe Namibian
Former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi said the government had budgeted only N$50 million for Independence Stadium's renovation
“By comparison, former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi in 2022 said the government had budgeted only N$50 million for Independence Stadium's renovation.”
Independence Stadium consultant fee sparks N$337m controversyThe Namibian
Iipumbu Shiimi said civil servants should be treated as low-risk customers and pay lower interest rates than ones currently enforced by Namfisa
“Following the committee hearing on Friday, chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi said civil servants should be treated as low-risk customers and pay lower interest rates than the ones currently enforced by Namfisa.”
Microlenders reject blame for Namibia’s debt crisisWindhoek Observer
Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi described household debt as a serious concern among civil servants
“Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi described household debt as a serious concern, particularly among civil servants who are often left with little disposable income after loan repayments are deducted from their salaries.”
Parliament probes lending practices as debt crisis deepensThe Namibian
Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi said the committee is reviewing a motion on lending practices' impact on citizens
“Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi yesterday said the committee is reviewing a motion on the impact of lending practices on citizens, particularly public servants.”
Civil servants sitting ducks for cash loansThe Namibian
Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi said rising levels of indebtedness among households have become a matter of national concern
“Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi on Friday said rising levels of indebtedness among households, particularly civil servants, have become a matter of national concern.”
Parliament probes debt trap as civil servants buckle under loan burdenThe Namibian
Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi tabled proposed amendments to the Income Tax Act in the National Assembly to reduce the tax burden on new homeowners
“In 2024, finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi tabled proposed amendments to the Income Tax Act of 1981 in the National Assembly to reduce the tax burden on new homeowners.”
Govt targets home loans, but economists say house prices are the problemThe Namibian
Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi said the facility was critical to government response to health crisis
“At the time, finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi said the facility was critical in enabling the government to respond to the health crisis, including procuring vaccines and supporting the national vaccination rollout, while cushioning the broader economic impact.”
Namibia repays N$3.9b IMF emergency loan, zero outstanding balanceA public servant told a parliamentary committee that workers struggling to repay loans are allegedly reporting for duty as early as 03h00 to avoid being confronted by unregistered lenders at their workplaces, with the pressure of indebtedness affecting their normal functioning.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A public servant told a parliamentary committee that workers struggling to repay loans are allegedly reporting for duty as early as 03h00 to avoid being confronted by unregistered lenders at their workplaces, with the pressure of indebtedness affecting their normal functioning.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A National Assembly committee held public hearings in Oshakati to examine whether existing laws protect Namibians from exploitation by lending institutions and informal money lenders. Lawmakers expressed concern that mushrooming cash loans have pushed many into financial distress, with some suicides linked to high debt levels.
18 August 2026 · New Era →
The Magistrates' and Judges' Association of Namibia has asked the High Court to declare parts of the Magistrates Act unconstitutional, arguing that executive provisions give ministers controlling power over magistrate transfers, discipline, remuneration and conditions of service, contrary to the Constitution. The application challenges two government decisions on magistrate grading and benefits, including linking housing and transport allowances to public service salary grades, which the association says were made without proper consultation and violate judicial independence.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A consultant hired to advise on renovating Windhoek's Independence Stadium is set to earn about N$337 million – more than three times the government's budgeted amount – through a 17.5% fee on the estimated N$2 billion project cost, which industry experts say is unusually high.
2 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Micro Lenders Association has rejected claims that it is responsible for trapping Namibians in debt, attributing high debt levels instead to weak savings practices, economic pressures, multiple credit sources, income constraints, and regulatory gaps. The association made its position known in a 15-page letter to parliament's standing committee on economics, which is examining whether the country's laws adequately protect civil servants against microlenders.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament's Standing Committee on Economy and Industry held a public hearing to investigate whether existing laws adequately protect borrowers from exploitation by lending institutions and informal money lenders. Committee leaders said household debt is a serious concern among civil servants, some of whom take home very low net pay due to multiple loan deductions from their salaries.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A parliamentary standing committee on economics has heard that low salaries, predatory microlenders, and gaps in the law are driving public servants into crippling debt cycles, with some earning as low as N$3,000 a month while facing exorbitant interest rates. The committee is investigating whether existing laws adequately protect Namibians against lending institutions and reviewing the deduction payroll system that allows loan repayments to be taken directly from civil servants' salaries.
16 June 2026 · The Namibian →
A parliamentary standing committee has launched public hearings on whether existing laws adequately protect citizens from exploitation by lending institutions and informal money lenders, prompted by rising indebtedness among households, particularly civil servants. The inquiry focuses on payday loans, which account for 82% of new loans issued by microlenders, and the payroll deduction system used in the public service, which may encourage excessive borrowing despite Labour Act provisions limiting total deductions to one-third of remuneration.
15 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu argues the government should reduce house prices rather than target mortgage repayment periods, which typically range from 20 to 30 years. He says longer loan terms make expensive houses affordable for first-time buyers and borrowers can pay off mortgages early if they choose.
14 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has fully repaid its N$3.9-billion emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund, with the final payment made on 15 April, closing the Rapid Financing Instrument facility approved in April 2021. The loan was used during the Covid-19 pandemic to stabilise the economy, support vaccine procurement and rollout, and address fiscal pressures from declining export revenues and external account strain.
2 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Political analysts have criticised president Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of seven deputy ministers, saying the move will cost the government nearly N$1.7 million annually and reverses earlier cost-saving pledges. Critics including analyst Henning Melber argue the appointments signal inadequate planning and a centralisation of power, while raising concerns about the appointees' ability to effectively balance parliamentary, executive, and regional council duties.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
At least 91 parliamentarians have submitted asset and interest declarations as required under parliamentary standing rules, with MPs disclosing shareholdings in telecommunications, banking, and brewing companies, as well as residential and commercial properties across Namibia. Failure to comply with annual declaration requirements constitutes a breach of parliamentary rules and may result in referral to the Committee of Privileges for disciplinary measures including fines or formal reprimands.
25 March 2026 · New Era →
Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Nahas Angula and regional officials have defended the selection of 11 Swapo members as speakers for Oshikoto's 36th Independence Day event, saying the invitations were issued by the regional council and constituency leadership based on availability and status as leaders, not political affiliation. They acknowledge that Independence Day is a national event open to all Namibians and claim non-Swapo members were also invited, though specifics were not provided.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
TransNamib has suspended executives Webster Gonzo (human capital) and Alynsia Platt (properties) following an internal investigation into property contracts allegedly concluded without proper procurement procedures while Gonzo was acting CEO. The suspensions stem from findings in a 2022 Ernst and Young forensic audit that identified numerous irregularities in TransNamib's property management, including inadequate oversight, manipulated lease agreements, and N$700 000 in performance bonuses paid to executives while the company recorded monthly losses.
16 February 2026 · New Era →
A parliamentary standing committee has identified poor execution and delays in government-funded projects across the ||Kharas region, with committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi calling for officials to take project implementation more seriously and improve accountability to parliament.
4 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economy, Industry, Public Administration and Planning completed an oversight visit to the //Kharas region to monitor capital projects including airport infrastructure, hospital renovations, and the railway line. Committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi said Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to track government investments to ensure effective use of public funds and tangible benefits to citizens, though some concerns were raised about slow implementation and official absenteeism.
2 February 2026 · New Era →
Several Namibian traditional leaders, including chiefs and headmen, are governing their rural communities while residing in Windhoek, contrary to the Traditional Authorities Act No. 25 of 2000, which requires them to live within their communal areas. They justify this practice by citing the effectiveness of deputies and local committees, though legal scholars note such violations may warrant removal from office.
21 January 2026 · The Namibian →