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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy

Also known as: the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy · MIME · MME

Namibian ministry responsible for setting fuel prices, managing uranium and diamond sectors, and overseeing energy policy including nuclear development.

2022-08-272026-10-21
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News reports

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  1. May 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy proposed mandatory 51% local ownership threshold for future mining licences

    Source

    “According to the Chamber's latest industry review, relations became strained after the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy proposed a mandatory 51% local ownership threshold for future mining licences.”

    Namibia’s minerals must first serve Namibia

  3. Windhoek Observer

    The ministry announced during 2025 Mining Expo that the government intended to introduce mandatory 51% local ownership requirement for future mining licences

    Source

    “The situation escalated after the minister announced during the 2025 Mining Expo and Conference that the government intended to introduce a mandatory 51% local ownership requirement for future mining licences.”

    Mining Chamber, Govt clashed over mining ownership policy

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has completed pre-feasibility study on critical raw materials beneficiation

    Source

    “The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has also completed a pre-feasibility study on beneficiation opportunities in the critical raw materials sector.”

    EU loan facility yet to roll out in Namibia

  5. Informanté

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy expected to sign support agreements with the EU to strengthen cooperation

    Source

    “In addition, she revealed that further support agreements are expected to be signed soon with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, the Lüderitz Town Council and the Namibia Standards Institution to strengthen Namibia–EU cooperation further.”

    Namibia–EU Partnership Roadmap extended to 2030

  6. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has been called on to ensure mining companies contribute directly to Namibia's development

    Source

    “National Council members have called on the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to ensure mining companies contribute directly to Namibia's development.”

    MPs push for mining wealth to develop Namibia

  7. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced temporary restrictions on filling of drums and jerry cans

    Source

    “After announcing temporary restrictions on the filling of drums and jerry cans, the government was forced to explain that legitimate bulk fuel purchases by farmers, tourism operators and businesses do not amount to hoarding.”

    Fuel confusion creates opportunity for criminal enterprise

  8. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced Namibia plans to boost domestic electricity generation to 80% by 2030

    Source

    “The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy last month announced that Namibia plans to boost domestic electricity generation to 80% by 2030, up from the current 45%.”

    Renewable energy now cheapest source of power

  9. Windhoek Observer

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy says farmers and businesses buying fuel in drums should not be viewed as hoarding

    Source

    “The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy says farmers, tourism operators and other businesses buying fuel in drums and jerry cans for operational use should not automatically be viewed as engaging in fuel hoarding or panic buying.”

    Govt clarifies who can buy fuel in drums and cans
  10. April 2026

  11. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy asked Nida to identify properties not aligning with its mandate for transfer

    Source

    “The Namibian understands that at a meeting held on 18 March, Nida was asked by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to identify properties that do not align with its mandate for the transfer to the Ministry of Works and Transport.”

    Nida fears collapse over N$3-billion asset transfer order

  12. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy says will not change existing trading hours during World Cup season

    Source

    “Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy chief economist John Chombo says all existing trading hours remain in effect and will not change.”

    Namibia keeps sport bar hours despite World Cup calls
Mining & Energy

Namibia appoints first nuclear commissioner to lead energy programme

The News

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has appointed John Titus, a director in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, as Namibia's first nuclear commissioner to coordinate the country's nuclear energy programme as it explores nuclear power. Ngurare has also established a management committee to assess nuclear safety, funding, environmental risks, radioactive waste management and skills needed for nuclear power facilities, with the initiative aimed at preparing Namibia for future energy needs and making better use of its uranium resources.

13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. Namibia appoints first nuclear commissioner to lead energy programme

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has appointed John Titus, a director in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, as Namibia's first nuclear commissioner to coordinate the country's nuclear energy programme as it explores nuclear power. Ngurare has also established a management committee to assess nuclear safety, funding, environmental risks, radioactive waste management and skills needed for nuclear power facilities, with the initiative aimed at preparing Namibia for future energy needs and making better use of its uranium resources.

    13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Kimberley Process review team assesses Namibia's diamond controls

    Namibia is undergoing a Kimberley Process Certification Scheme review to assess compliance with international requirements for controlling the rough diamond trade and preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets. The review visit team, comprising delegates from Russia, India and other participating countries, conducted on-site assessments of Namibia's internal controls, certification processes, and both onshore and offshore diamond operations.

    7 October 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 5 October

  1. Diesel prices unchanged in October despite international cost surge

    Namibia's diesel prices will remain unchanged for October while petrol 95 increases by N$1.50 per litre from 7 October, providing relief to the industrial economy dependent on diesel for transport, mining, construction, agriculture and power generation.

    5 October 2026 · New Era →

  2. Diamond Valuation Fund cash holdings rose to N$132.3 million

    The Diamond Valuation Fund increased its cash holdings by N$39.5 million to N$132.3 million in 2024, despite a revenue decline to N$109.7 million from N$145.2 million, attributed mainly to fluctuations in levies from entities including Namdeb Holdings. The Auditor-General issued a qualified audit opinion citing accounting and compliance shortcomings, including the fund's failure to disclose a royalty relief arrangement granted to Namdeb under the Minerals Act.

    5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 2 October

  1. Petrol price rises N$1.50; diesel prices held steady

    Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced that Petrol 95 will increase by N$1.50 per litre to N$26.58 from 7 October 2026, while Diesel 50 ppm and Diesel 10 ppm prices remain unchanged at N$27.86 and N$27.96 per litre respectively. The decision followed a review of international oil prices, exchange rates, and import costs, with the ministry recording significant increases in international petroleum prices driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.

    2 October 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. TotalEnergies selected as sole bulk fuel supplier for Q4 2026

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced that TotalEnergies has been selected as the sole supplier of Namibia's bulk petrol and diesel for November 2026 to January 2027. New oil player Nasan Energies, founded in late 2024 and majority-owned by Millennium Group chief executive Miguel Hamutenya, participated in the bidding round, while state-owned Namcor did not.

    23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 21 September

  1. Government pushes Etango uranium project for broader community benefit

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy wants the Etango uranium project near Swakopmund to create more opportunities for Namibian businesses and communities through procurement, skills training, and support for local schools, clinics, and infrastructure. Deputy minister Gaudentia Kröhne also raised environmental concerns, noting the project must operate responsibly in its sensitive location.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 20 September

  1. Namibia faces highest inflation rise since February 2024

    Namibia's annual inflation rate reached 5% in August, the highest since February 2024, driven largely by transport costs including a 17.1% rise in vehicle operating costs and 25.1% higher fuel prices. A Financial Inclusion Survey revealed that 546,000 working Namibians have no disposable income and rely on debt for basic needs, with 51.3% borrowing for food.

    20 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 11 September

  1. IPC questions government fuel supply extension with Vitol

    The Independent Patriots for Change have flagged the government's decision to extend its emergency fuel supply agreement with Vitol Bahrain EC into October as raising procurement and transparency concerns. The opposition party calls on the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to publicly disclose the cost of the extension, table the extension instrument in Parliament, and open a competitive tender for fuel suppliers from 1 November.

    11 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 31 August

  1. Middle East conflict drives Namibian fuel prices higher

    Escalating Middle East conflict and global oil supply disruptions have driven up international crude prices, with petrol increasing by 60c and diesel by 160c per litre as of 2 September. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 25% of the world's oil supplies, has caused oil prices to spike to around US$120 a barrel.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Fuel prices rise sharply amid Middle East tensions

    Namibian fuel prices are set to increase effective 2 September 2026, with ULP95 rising 60 cents per litre and both diesel grades rising N$1.60 per litre, driven by geopolitical volatility and disruptions in global oil markets stemming from Middle East tensions.

    31 August 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 30 August

  1. Namibia urges global investors to develop oil and gas sector

    The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, speaking at the Offshore Northern Seas Summit in Norway, urged international investors to explore Namibia's emerging oil and gas opportunities, noting that the country has moved beyond exploration to the development phase with recent discoveries in the Orange Basin including Venus, where partners plan a floating production system with approximately 160,000 barrels per day capacity.

    30 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 28 August

  1. Petrol and diesel prices increase from September 2026

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has announced fuel price increases effective from midnight 2 September 2026: ULP95 will increase by 60 cents per litre, while Diesel 50ppm and Diesel 10ppm will each increase by 160 cents per litre. The revised pump prices at Walvis Bay will be N$25.08 per litre for Petrol 95, N$27.86 per litre for Diesel 50ppm, and N$27.96 per litre for Diesel 10ppm.

    28 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia must move beyond industrialisation rhetoric to action

    An analysis argues that despite decades of political talk about beneficiation, value addition, and manufacturing, Namibia remains dependent on primary commodities and has failed to assemble scattered industrial activity into a coherent industrial economy, requiring instead a reimagined industrial policy linking resources, finance, energy, trade, procurement, skills and markets.

    28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 27 August

  1. Geologists urge deeper exploration of Namibia's mineral resources

    Geological scientists have called on Namibia to intensify exploration of its largely untapped mineral wealth and create more local value from extracted resources. They identified uranium, lithium, rare earth elements and copper as minerals with significant potential for economic growth, noting that Namibia remains underexplored despite its long mining history.

    27 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. National Steering Committee on informal economy established

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has launched the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy to provide advice on policies and strategies and coordinate government interventions in formalizing the informal economy. The committee, composed of representatives from various ministries, the central bank, and sector associations, aims to improve access to markets, finance, infrastructure, and services while fostering linkages between informal enterprises and larger industries.

    27 August 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Namibia's energy minister attends offshore energy summit in Norway

    Minister Modestus Amutse is participating in the week-long Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) Summit in Stavanger, Norway, to strengthen international partnerships and draw on global experience as Namibia develops its emerging oil and gas sector. The forum brings together government leaders, executives and policymakers to discuss global energy trends, energy security, technological developments and sustainability.

    25 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Jet fuel shortage stems from commercial supply issues, not Vitol deal

    The Ministry of Mines and Energy defended its three-month fuel supply deal with Vitol, stating the jet fuel shortage affecting the country since last week results from a failed quality inspection of a Puma-Vivo fuel shipment, not the government arrangement which covers only petrol and diesel.

    25 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Jet A-1 shortage linked to commercial fuel swap, ministry says

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy said Namibia's Jet A-1 aviation fuel shortage stems from a commercial arrangement between Puma Energy Namibia and Vivo Energy Namibia to swap fuel, not from government supply policy. A replacement consignment was quarantined at Walvis Bay for quality verification, causing the constraint, with replacement product expected to arrive Saturday.

    25 August 2026 · Informanté →

  4. ECB threatens to revoke electricity licences from underperforming councils

    The Electricity Control Board has warned it will revoke electricity distribution licences from underperforming municipalities and regional councils and transfer networks to operators with proven capacity, following an audit that found widespread non-compliance across Namibia's power infrastructure. The audit of nine distribution licensees found most networks rated poor due to inadequate safety code implementation and substandard maintenance, with ||Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke regions carrying the highest compliance risk.

    25 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 22 August

  1. Solar Revolving Fund electrified 41 households in Oshikoto

    The Solar Revolving Fund under the Ministry of Mines and Energy financed electrification of 41 households in Oshikoto Region during the 2025/26 financial year—32 via solar systems at N$1.5 million and 9 via national grid connections at N$261,000. NamPower also connected grid-based electricity to 12 schools in the region, while connection costs and tariffs remain barriers to rural electrification.

    22 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 21 August

  1. Jet fuel disruption exposes risks of Namibia's single-supplier model

    A disruption in jet fuel supplies at Hosea Kutako International Airport has sparked industry concerns about Namibia's reliance on a single petroleum supplier, leaving the country vulnerable to contamination, logistical problems, and shipping delays. The article notes that while the current arrangement reflects economic realities of importing refined products together, the disruption underscores the need for resilient systems and alternative sources.

    21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 20 August

  1. Namibia to gazette petroleum standards, establish fuel-testing laboratory in 2027

    Namibia plans to gazette its first standards for petroleum products in early 2027, with the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) setting up a fuel-testing laboratory to commence testing and verification services the same year under a service level agreement with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference concludes with sector focus

    The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026 brought together over 1,500 delegates, more than 120 speakers, and over 70 exhibitors to discuss the country's emerging petroleum sector and its contribution to national development, with discussions centred on investment, local content, enterprise development, skills, infrastructure, and financing.

    20 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Minister urges Namibia to prepare for oil production, maximise local benefits

    At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026, Honourable Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, called on Namibia to be ready for first oil and to maximise local benefits from the industry, addressing discoveries in the Orange Basin.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia Oil and Gas Conference convenes for fourth edition

    The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition officially began on 18 August 2026 in Windhoek (18–20 August), bringing together government, industry leaders, investors, academia, entrepreneurs and civil society to focus on ensuring Namibia's oil and gas growth creates opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, workers and communities.

    19 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 14 August

  1. Prosecutor General seeks to seize vehicle in diamond scam case

    The Prosecutor General has filed a forfeiture application to permanently seize a red Volkswagen Golf valued at N$160,000 linked to a man alleged to have scammed an American investor of approximately N$728,044.50 through a fake diamond sale using false identities.

    14 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy faces technical staffing shortage

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is facing a shortage of technically qualified and skilled personnel that could affect the ministry's ability to implement its programmes in mining, energy and industrial development. The shortage, identified as a key challenge during a National Assembly presentation, comes as the ministry evolves following fiscal consolidation and wage bill reductions.

    14 August 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Parliamentary committee questions two-year testing period at Kunene mine

    The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources visited Okarikua Mining in Opuwo and found that the operation has reportedly conducted testing activities for about two years, with piles of copper-bearing rocks on site and questions raised about whether production may be taking place under the guise of testing. The committee also raised concerns about worker safety, welfare, and Ministry of Mines and Energy oversight.

    12 August 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Parliamentary committee flags safety and sanitation gaps at Okarikua Mine

    A Parliamentary Standing Committee member raised concerns following a site visit to Okarikua Mining in Kunene Region, observing that workers lack adequate personal protective equipment and proper ablution facilities despite operating there for about two years. The committee questioned claims that the operation is still in a testing phase, noting that copper production is taking place at the site.

    11 August 2026 · Informanté →

Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute