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 · Dr. Mbuende · Ambassador Dr Kaire Mbuende
Director-General of Namibia's National Planning Commission, engaged in energy transition, green industrialisation, and development policy matters.
News reports
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Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
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The Namibian
Kaire Mbuende is said to be the key figure behind most of the president's appointments
“Sources say he is the key figure behind most of Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointments, including those of the health and infrastructure development task forces.”
Inside Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency: Prayers, sacking ministers and the rise of a small power circleThe Namibian
Kaire Mbuende said there is a glaring gap in transfer and sharing of administrative data by government entities
“"There is a glaring gap in the transfer and sharing of administrative data generated by various government entities. Without accurate and accessible data, our ability to plan, monitor and evaluate government programmes is severely constrained," Mbuende said, speaking at the annual general meeting of the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) this week.”
Out With the Old for 2026The Namibian
Kaire Mbuende was unable to get information on how many and what types of jobs created since president took office
“As an example, Mbuende said he was unable to get information on how many and what types of jobs were created since president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration took office in March.”
Out With the Old for 2026The Namibian
Kaire Mbuende said employment data is scattered across multiple sectors and institutions
“"I was asked to provide comprehensive statistics on employment created since the new administration took office. This task proved extremely difficult since employment data is scattered across multiple sectors and institutions," Mbuende said.”
NPC director general admits government cannot track jobs createdThe Namibian
Kaire Mbuende added fragmentation makes it difficult for government to make informed policy decisions
“Mbuende added that this fragmentation makes it difficult for the government to make informed policy decisions.”
NPC director general admits government cannot track jobs createdThe Namibian
Director general Kaire Mbuende leads National Planning Commission
“The National Planning Commission under director general Kaire Mbuende can coordinate the reporting.”
From Promises to Progress: A Digital Solution for Government Accountability in NamibiaThe Namibian
Kaire Mbuende is described as seasoned diplomat and international relations expert
“Seasoned diplomat and international relations expert Kaire Mbuende shares his insights on this milestone with Desert Radio.”
Seasoned diplomat and international relations expert Kaire MbuendeThe Namibian
Kaire Mbuende shared insights on the African Union milestone with Desert Radio
“Seasoned diplomat and international relations expert Kaire Mbuende shares his insights on this milestone with Desert Radio.”
Seasoned diplomat and international relations expert Kaire MbuendeAt a NEV TVET Hub graduation, the Director-General of the National Planning Commission urged TVET management to remain innovative and to inculcate entrepreneurial mindsets in graduates so they can create opportunities and employ others, rather than viewing TVET solely as a source of labour for industry.
15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
At a NEV TVET Hub graduation, the Director-General of the National Planning Commission urged TVET management to remain innovative and to inculcate entrepreneurial mindsets in graduates so they can create opportunities and employ others, rather than viewing TVET solely as a source of labour for industry.
15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
George P. Victor, a Welding competitor from Eenhana VTC, won the Best of Nation Award at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China (22–27 September 2026) and was honoured at the NEV TVET Hub graduation in Ondangwa. The NTA CEO awarded him N$30,000, his Expert N$15,000, the Oshana Governor pledged N$10,000, and the National Planning Commission Director-General pledged the cash equivalent of five head of cattle.
15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Namibia and Germany have signed a N$103-million agreement to improve energy access and support green industrialisation, launching two projects aimed at expanding sustainable energy access and developing responsible value chains for critical raw materials.
12 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Germany has committed approximately N$103 million to support Namibia's energy transition and green industrialisation, including expansion and rehabilitation of the Ruacana Hydropower Plant. The funding follows a EUR 5.5 million Technical Cooperation Agreement signed between the German ambassador and Namibia's National Planning Commission director general, targeting increased energy access from 59.3% to 70% by 2030.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Germany and Namibia have signed an agreement for two energy transition and industrialisation projects worth N$103 million, focusing on expanding electricity access and developing critical raw materials value chains. The projects support Namibia's green industrialisation objectives and are part of broader European investment in Namibian infrastructure and energy.
10 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended UNGA81 to promote Namibia's investment opportunities, secure financing for critical infrastructure, and defend the country's interests in the global financial system. The visit produced new investment leads, water-financing discussions, potential education cooperation, and a stronger role in implementing the Pact for the Future, though these remain opportunities for further discussions rather than concluded agreements.
7 October 2026 · New Era →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has endorsed a strategic partnership between the NNN Foundation, the Queens of the Continent Foundation and the NBA Foundation to use sport for youth development and opportunity across Namibia and Africa. She highlighted sport's role in instilling discipline, teamwork and confidence while creating pathways for greater participation and leadership.
23 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Director-General of the National Planning Commission says Namibia is committed to developing green hydrogen responsibly while taking environmental concerns seriously, and that Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments are being undertaken in green hydrogen valleys to evaluate cumulative impacts and guide where development can proceed.
11 September 2026 · Informanté →
An opinion piece argues that while conservation is essential, Namibia cannot use environmental protection as a blanket veto against economic development. The debate is not whether to develop, but how, where, and at what cost, particularly as Namibia pursues investments in mining, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and tourism.
10 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
National Planning Commission Director-General Dr Kaire Mbuende has called for a balance between environmental conservation and industrial development, arguing that conservation concerns should not become an absolute barrier to economic activity. Speaking at the African Green Industries Summit in Swakopmund, Mbuende said environmental impact must be seriously assessed but that Namibia should not be forced to choose between development and conservation.
10 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibian companies to move beyond symbolic corporate social investment donations and instead create lasting socio-economic benefits for communities, measuring impact through outcomes like improved education, healthcare, and youth empowerment rather than announcement visibility.
5 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Honorary Consul in Nigeria, Justin Chuma Anosike, has denied allegations that he charged Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote US$1 million for arranging a meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The denial comes amid separate allegations that confidential Cabinet minutes and strategic documents were leaked to Anosike and passed to a Dangote Group executive, which NPC director-general Kaire Mbuende also rejects.
19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Planning Commission said government will only factor oil income into fiscal planning once oil and gas projects reach a final investment decision, and that borrowing decisions are based on broader economic projections rather than a single sector. The clarification followed criticism from the Independent Patriots for Change, which had accused the NPC director general of proposing that Namibia borrow against future oil revenues despite sector uncertainty.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The United Nations Population Fund reports that 19% of women aged 15–19 in Namibia have begun childbearing, with teenage pregnancy responsible for 12% of female school dropouts. Stakeholders warn that addressing the issue requires coordinated action from government, families, schools, communities and development partners to prevent Namibia from losing its youth dividend.
27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
National Planning Commission director 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.
22 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
21 July 2026 · New Era →
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.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
8 July 2026 · Informanté →
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 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.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
27 June 2026 · Informanté →
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.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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.
20 April 2026 · Informanté →
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.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
1 April 2026 · New Era →
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.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
31 March 2026 · Informanté →