Also known as: Dr. Kaire Mbuende · National Planning Commission Director General Kaire Mbuende · Ambassador Dr. Kaire Mbuende · director general Kaire Mbuende · Dr Kaire Mbuende · Dr Ambassador Kaire Mbuende
Director general of the National Planning Commission, addressing development funding, green hydrogen projects, and nuclear power strategy.
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July 2026
The Namibian
Kaire Mbuendesays slower-than-expected economic growth and lower government revenue have reducedmoney available for development projects across Namibia
Source
“National Planning Commission (NPC) director general Kaire Mbuende says slower-than-expected economic growth and lower government revenue have reduced the money available for development projects across Namibia.”
Kaire Mbuendesaid the government had expected the Namibia Revenue Agency to collect more tax revenue than it didmore tax revenue
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“Mbuende said the government had expected the Namibia Revenue Agency to collect more tax revenue than it did, adding that revenue fell short because the economy did not perform as well as expected.”
Kaire Mbuendesayssanitation continues to lag behind in SDG achievement.
Source
“With only four years to meet the target, National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende says Namibia has achieved many of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), but sanitation continues to lag behind.”
Kaire Mbuendesaysthe contribution supports Namibia's own development plans instead of introducing an outside agenda
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“National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende says the contribution supports Namibia's own development plans instead of introducing an outside agenda.”
National Planning Commission director Kaire Mbuendesaidthe government has set aside N$100 million per year for the project
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“National Planning Commission director Kaire Mbuende in January said the government has set aside N$100 million per year for the project, still far below the consultant's expected annual payout.”
Kaire Mbuendesaidvalue addition essential to retaining economic value within communities
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“According to Mbuende, value addition remains essential to ensuring that products are processed locally instead of being exported in raw form, thereby retaining economic value within communities while creating employment opportunities.”
Kaire MbuendethankedChina for continued support towards Namibia's development efforts
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“Receiving the grant on behalf of the Namibian Government, National Planning Commission (NPC) Director General Amb. Dr Kaire Mbuende thanked China for its continued support towards Namibia's development efforts.”
National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuendesaysthe investment plan must focus on tangible economic transformation rather than primary resource extraction
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“National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende says the investment plan must focus on tangible economic transformation rather than primary resource extraction.”
Dr Kaire Mbuendeleadsthe National Planning Commission
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“The National Planning Commission (NPC), under the leadership of Dr Kaire Mbuende, occupies one of the most strategically important positions in government.”
National Planning Commission Director General Kaire Mbuendeofficiatedthe handover ceremony
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“The handover ceremony was officiated by Environment Minister Indileni Daniel, National Planning Commission Director General Kaire Mbuende and German Ambassador Thorsten Hutter.”
National Planning Commissiondirector general Kaire Mbuende says slower-than-expected economic growth and lower government revenue have reduced funding available for development projects across Namibia. He told local authority heads at an Oshakati engagement that revenue fell short due to weaker economic performance and delayed oil and gas projects, and that ministries—not the NPC—decide how to distribute allocated funds to regions and towns.
National Planning Commissiondirector general Kaire Mbuende says slower-than-expected economic growth and lower government revenue have reduced funding available for development projects across Namibia. He told local authority heads at an Oshakati engagement that revenue fell short due to weaker economic performance and delayed oil and gas projects, and that ministries—not the NPC—decide how to distribute allocated funds to regions and towns.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed a seven-day state visit to China aimed at persuading the country to help Namibia build manufacturing and processing industries rather than exporting raw minerals. The visit culminated in nine cooperation instruments and elevation of bilateral ties to a Namibia-China Community with a shared future, focusing on long-term development and strategic cooperation.
Namibia is falling behind on the sixth Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all by 2030. According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, about 40% of households lack adequate sanitation, with the situation worse in marginalised communities where nearly seven out of every ten households do not have a toilet.
Brazil's ambassador announced a N$1.9 million contribution to the World Food Programme and plans to expand a programme from supporting 300 families to 3 000 families, emphasizing building stronger food systems and helping communities become self-reliant instead of dependent on food aid.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Windhoek and emphasised discipline as the cornerstone of military professionalism, while calling for coordinated response to substance abuse within the Namibian Defence Force. She reminded troops of their responsibility to protect the Central Region, including the capital city and key institutions.
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.
The third edition of the Omuthiya Business Expo received pledges totalling N$626,026 at a gala dinner on Saturday. The funds will support the expo scheduled for October, themed "Local by Design; Crafting Competitive SMEs for Tomorrow," aimed at strengthening local economic development and supporting small and medium enterprises.
Namibia and China have signed a grant agreement worth RMB 200 million (approximately N$486 million) to support key national development priorities including school infrastructure, healthcare services, and water supply, aligned with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan.
The government launched a multilateral development bank mission to finalise a Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan to access up to US$250 million in concessional climate financing under the Climate Investment Funds' Industry Decarbonisation Programme, aiming to support the transition of high-emitting sectors and scale up green industries.
The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed all government institutions to budget for internships and apprenticeships to address graduate unemployment. While the directive is practical, the article questions its timing, noting that many institutions have already completed their annual budgeting and planning cycles.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, partnering with Enertrag and GIZ, will sign a cooperation agreement under the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme to strengthen Namibian supplier capacity in the green hydrogen sector. The initiative, funded by EUR 300,000 from H2UPPP and EUR 300,000 from Hyphen, will implement an Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme to build capability and competitiveness of Namibian enterprises.
Minister Veikko Nekundi presented the 2026/2027 budget allocation of N$592.972 million for the Department of Works to the National Assembly, with N$499 million for operational costs and N$93.972 million for capital investment. The budget addresses public infrastructure development, government asset management, and maintenance of state facilities across five programmes.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has handed over newly built and renovated infrastructure worth N$166 million across Etosha, Hardap and Bwabwata national parks, co-funded by Namibia and Germany. The upgrades include improved entrance gates, comfort stops, duty stations, and anti-poaching infrastructure, aimed at strengthening conservation and enhancing visitor experience.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has inaugurated newly constructed and renovated infrastructure across Etosha, Hardap, and Bwabwata National Parks, valued at N$166 million and co-funded by Germany's development bank. The upgrades include enhanced facilities, staff stations, and utilities designed to strengthen wildlife protection and improve visitor experiences.
The Minister of Environment has inaugurated a Solid Waste Management Facility at Etosha National Park, emphasizing the need for environmental education alongside infrastructure to improve waste management practices. The facility, funded by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, addresses poor waste management at wildlife resorts and will be operated by Rent-A-Drum.
The Namibian government has received 148 project proposals for its Green Hydrogen Programme, representing potential investments of around US$1 billion. Of these, 77 projects align closely with the programme's objectives, covering clean energy, industrial development, infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture, with the initiative aiming to mobilise over US$1 billion in total investment through concessional climate finance and development bank support.
Namibia's environment and tourism ministry will inaugurate new light infrastructure, a solid waste management facility, and Wildlife Protection Service duty stations at Etosha National Park on 28 March. The improvements aim to strengthen ranger patrols against poaching, improve wildlife monitoring, and manage visitor waste to protect animals and the park's natural environment.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for further exploration of alternative housing technologies after inspecting a demonstration house built using Alternative Building Technology (ABT) panels in Okahandja Park. The President directed government officials to explore how the technology could be scaled up to help address Namibia's housing backlog, and commended the Namibian entrepreneurs behind the initiative.
The European Union has donated nine vehicles valued at N$10 million to Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, including eight Land Cruiser bakkies and two mobile veterinary clinics, to strengthen animal health surveillance and disease control in the Northern Communal Areas. The fleet will support efforts to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease, improve traceability, and help farmers meet export standards.
Namibia is advancing plans to develop nuclear power generation through international partnerships and compliance with global benchmarks, with the National Planning Commission director noting the move aims to diversify the mining sector, reduce electricity imports, and capture greater value from uranium production. The government has approved a National Nuclear Industry Strategy that includes establishing a Nuclear Institute of Namibia and transferring atomic energy administration to the National Planning Commission.