Also known as: Ministry of Mines and Energy · energy ministry · mines and energy ministry · the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy · MIME · MME
Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy — Namibian government entity overseeing mining, energy, and petroleum sectors, recently facing corruption allegations and implementing renewable energy and electrification initiatives.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy issued a late-evening directive ordering fuel wholesalers and retailers to stop withholding oil supplies ahead of a price increase, after motorists faced long queues and empty service stations. Energy Minister Modestus Amutse warned that artificially creating fuel shortages for profit would result in punitive action, and required wholesalers to deliver outstanding orders and retailers to maintain normal sales volumes.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy issued a late-evening directive ordering fuel wholesalers and retailers to stop withholding oil supplies ahead of a price increase, after motorists faced long queues and empty service stations. Energy Minister Modestus Amutse warned that artificially creating fuel shortages for profit would result in punitive action, and required wholesalers to deliver outstanding orders and retailers to maintain normal sales volumes.
Namibia's mining competitiveness ranking fell sharply in the 2025 Fraser Institute survey, dropping from 30th to 51st globally and from 4th to 7th in Africa, as investor concerns about policy direction and regulatory clarity intensify. The Chamber of Mines attributes the decline to weakening perceptions of mining policy and governance, citing a proposed 51% local ownership requirement and new legislative changes as compounding investor uncertainty.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed fuel wholesalers and retailers to stop deliberately withholding supplies in anticipation of price increases, warning that artificial shortages undermine fuel security and will result in punitive action. Wholesalers must deliver outstanding orders to compliant retailers, and any supply reductions must be justified with verifiable evidence.
The government is in discussions to acquire a 10% stake in Rössing Uranium currently held by South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation as part of its exit from the company. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told Parliament that the government, which already holds 4%, is working through multiple ministries to pursue the shareholding to ensure Namibians benefit from the country's resources.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy unveiled a 2025/26–2029/30 strategic plan to transform Namibia from a raw commodity exporter into a value-driven industrial economy, prioritising local content, beneficiation, and capacity-building in mining and green industries. The strategy aims to develop domestic processing capabilities for minerals including uranium, diamonds, and rare earths, supported by an Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programme for small enterprises, while balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The Minister of Mines and Energy announced fuel price increases effective April 1, 2026, citing sharp rises in international crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and the weakening Namibian dollar. The Cabinet has temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% for three months to April–June 2026, with the National Energy Fund absorbing an under-recovery of approximately N$500 million.
Namibia's National Oil Storage Facility, a N$6.5 billion investment in Walvis Bay designed to hold 75 million litres of fuel, is undergoing policy reforms to establish market-related tariffs and attract local entrepreneurs to its storage capacity. The facility aims to balance its role as a strategic energy buffer against global supply disruptions with expanded commercial participation and improved operational sustainability.
The petroleum amendment bill, which proposes moving oil and gas sector oversight to the Office of the President, has faced criticism in Parliament for creating a "power vacuum" and concentrating executive control. Critics argue the measure removes ministerial accountability to Parliament and risks elite capture, while the government defends the proposal as necessary modernisation to protect the sector and ensure proper regulation.
Global conflict and shipping disruptions threaten fuel supply and prices, prompting analysts and government officials to warn Namibians against panic buying and illegal fuel storage, which could create fire hazards, environmental damage and market distortions. Namibia is particularly vulnerable as it imports all refined petroleum products, and rising fuel costs are expected to increase transport, food and operating costs across the economy.
The Namibian government has reassured the public that domestic fuel supply remains stable and sufficient amid rising global oil prices, citing the National Oil Storage Facility at Walvis Bay (capacity 75 million litres, three months' reserves) and mandatory 30-day reserves held by fuel companies as key buffers against global disruptions.