Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 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 government ministry overseeing mines, energy, and petroleum sectors including fuel pricing, mining rights, and offshore oil licensing.

2022-08-272026-07-23

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. February 2026
  2. Informanté

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy resolved to maintain current pump prices

    Source

    Taking these factors into account, the Ministry resolved to maintain current pump prices while continuing to monitor international oil market developments to safeguard domestic price stability.

    No change in fuel prices this March
  3. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy failed to implement standard operating procedure for verifying monthly gold production

    Source

    The ministry has failed to implement the standard operating procedure for verifying monthly gold production, the report says.

    Gold mines bleed state of millions
  4. New Era

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy was authorized to enter an Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Energy of Angola on Angola-Namibia Interconnector Project

    Source

    The Cabinet further authorised the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to enter an Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding (IGMoU) with the Ministry of Energy of Angola related to the development of the ANNA Project to reduce the risk of delays in the project implementation.

    Cabinet Briefs
  5. Informanté

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy was authorised to sign an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding with Angola's Ministry of Energy

    Source

    Cabinet has approved the accelerated development of the Angola–Namibia (ANNA) Interconnection Project, authorising the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to sign an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding with Angola's Ministry of Energy to help prevent delays in the project's implementation.

    Cabinet approves accelerated development of Angola–Namibia Interconnection Project
  6. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy was involved in scandals due to corruption and resource grabbing

    Source

    Swartbooi said he understands president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's decision following scandals around the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy due to corruption, power and problems of resource grabbing.

    Swartbooi wants petroleum products upstream unit converted into monitoring and evaluation unit
  7. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy will have certain regulatory functions reassigned from the petroleum commissioner's office

    Source

    A central Pillar of the proposed amendments is the establishment of a new Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, and the concomitant reassignment of certain regulatory functions from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, specifically from the petroleum commissioner's office to this unit.

    EXPLAINER: Amendments to the Petroleum Act
  8. Informanté

    The ministry said joining the Luanda Accord strengthens Namibia's role in shaping the future of the global diamond market

    Source

    The ministry said joining the Luanda Accord strengthens Namibia's role in shaping the future of the global diamond market while protecting the country's economic interests.

    Namibia joins Luanda Accord to boost global demand for natural diamonds
  9. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is responsible for fuel quality and supply to service stations

    Source

    The energy ministry is responsible for fuel quality and ensuring supply to all service stations in the country.

    Motorists face N$80 000 repair bills as high-metal fuel damages modern cars
  10. The Namibian

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy termed transaction unlawful without government approval

    Source

    TotalEnergies and Petrobras announced last Friday that they had acquired a stake in oil block 2613 (petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 104), a move that was termed unlawful by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy without government approval.

    TotalEnergies and Petrobras face backlash over disputed Namibian oil licence PEL104
  11. New Era

    Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy was only informed of TotalEnergies-Petrobras deal a few minutes prior to media announcement

    Source

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry noted it was only informed of a deal between TotalEnergies and Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras, "a few minutes prior" to a media release announcing the deal.

    Govt unaware of TotalEnergies, Petrobras deal

Sunday 19 July

  1. Mines minister denies Namibia lost De Beers stake bid

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy dismissed reports that Namibia has lost its bid to acquire a stake in De Beers, calling circulating information "misleading and incorrect," after Botswana's minister said Anglo American had selected the Global Diamond Consortium as its preferred bidder for the diamond producer's sale.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 13 July

  1. Namibia and China elevate ties, sign multiple cooperation agreements

    During President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to Beijing in July, Namibia and China signed agreements and memoranda covering economic partnership, healthcare, education, green minerals, tourism and agriculture, elevating bilateral relations to a Namibia-China Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

    13 July 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 9 July

  1. Local content and partnership key to energy industry success in Namibia

    Namibia's offshore oil discoveries have attracted global interest, but international companies must embrace partnership, transparency, and shared progress rather than transactional models, with strict adherence to local taxation and labor laws required by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and NAMCOR.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 6 July

  1. Kunene region records 2,438 mining rights amid exploration surge

    Namibia's Kunene region has recorded 2,438 mining rights, reflecting a sharp rise in exploration activity as investors target one of Namibia's least explored but most prospective mineral provinces. Between 1 April and 24 June, authorities recorded 318 mineral rights under application or granted, generating N$5.55 million in revenue during the 2025/26 financial year through application fees and related charges.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Local content strategy key to Namibia's energy sector growth

    Namibia's offshore oil discoveries have attracted international interest, but the country is enforcing strict local content requirements and regulatory compliance to ensure sustainable development and shared national progress. International companies must adhere to Namibian taxation and labour laws as a foundational requirement for operations.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Canadian firm sells offshore oil stake to Namibian company

    Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas has received government approval to transfer its 85% stake in offshore petroleum exploration licence 98 to Namibia-based Lamda Energy. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy granted the final regulatory approval, with the transaction expected to complete soon.

    1 July 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 28 June

  1. Namibia to host global nuclear monitoring exercise in October 2026

    Namibia will become the first African country to host the CTBTO's Integrated Field Exercise (IFE26) in October 2026, a major international exercise in Swakopmund and the Erongo Region aimed at strengthening the global nuclear test monitoring system. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy emphasised there will be no nuclear materials, explosions, radiation or activities that could negatively affect the environment.

    28 June 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 25 June

  1. Bryan Eiseb nominated to lead Namibia's Anti-Corruption Commission

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has nominated Bryan Eiseb, currently head of the Financial Intelligence Centre, to lead the Anti-Corruption Commission, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare tabling a motion in the National Assembly for parliamentary approval. Eiseb, 55, would succeed Paulus Noa, whose term as director general ends this month.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Eiseb nominated as next Anti-Corruption Commission director

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has nominated Financial Intelligence Centre director Bryan Eiseb as the new director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission, to succeed Paulus Noa whose term ends this month. If approved by parliament, Eiseb will serve a five-year term.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 19 June

  1. Aune Amutenya appointed Acting Petroleum Commissioner

    Aune Amutenya, Deputy Director of Petroleum Exploration and Production, has been appointed Acting Petroleum Commissioner, effective 2 June 2026, replacing Maggy Shino, who has been relieved of the position but will remain Director in the Department of Upstream Petroleum Affairs.

    19 June 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Government plans to remove fuel premium to lower consumer costs

    Namibia's ministry of industries, mines and energy announced plans to remove the fuel premium charged to consumers for the past four years by implementing a Bulk Petroleum Import Coordination System that will allow wholesalers to coordinate imports and benefit from economies of scale, with minister Modestus Amutse saying the move will lower fuel costs while ensuring stable petroleum supply.

    17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 4 June

  1. Twenty-eight trainees begin gemstone skills training

    Twenty-eight trainees from all 14 regions of Namibia have begun a six-month gemstone cutting and polishing programme at the Karibib Gemstone Training Centre, a government initiative aimed at developing specialised skills and promoting value addition within the mining sector.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 1 June

  1. Nasan requires upfront fuel payments from 52 acquired service stations

    Nasan Energies, which acquired 52 service stations from Vivo Energy, is requiring fuel retailers to pay upfront for fuel rather than the traditional post-delivery payment model. Retailers claim Nasan lacks operational cash flow and is forcing prepaid contracts that differ from the original Vivo agreements.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Vitol awarded three-month exclusive fuel supply deal

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has awarded Vitol an exclusive fuel supply contract for July to September, saying the company's offer to supply fuel at standard price without extra charges or public subsidy distinguished it from other bidders, whose proposals included additional conditions.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Government mandates exclusive fuel sourcing from Vitol

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 31 May

  1. Namibia secures fuel supply without premiums via Vitol

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy announced an emergency fuel supply arrangement with international energy company Vitol covering July to September 2026, stating it protects consumers from further price increases driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions. The government has committed more than N$1 billion to cushion consumers from rising fuel costs and maintain economic stability.

    31 May 2026 · Informanté

Friday 29 May

  1. Ministry keeps fuel prices unchanged for June 2026

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has decided to maintain petrol and diesel pump prices at current levels for June, with petrol at N$23.48 per litre, diesel 50ppm at N$28.26 per litre, and diesel 10ppm at N$28.36 per litre. The ministry said the decision would provide stability for consumers despite global oil market fluctuations and recent price increases in May.

    29 May 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Namibia balances local mineral ownership with investment needs

    The government's proposed 51% local ownership requirement for future mining licences has strained relations with the Chamber of Mines, which raised concerns about investor confidence and capital flight. The article argues that while foreign investment is important to the mining sector, Namibia's minerals belong first to Namibians and the country must balance competing interests.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Chamber of Mines clashes with government over ownership policy

    The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says its relationship with government came under pressure in 2025 over disagreements on proposed local ownership requirements for mining, with engagement with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy becoming difficult.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 18 May

  1. €500m EU investment bank loan yet to launch

    A €500 million framework loan facility from the European Investment Bank has not yet been rolled out in Namibia despite EU partnership progress in green hydrogen, critical raw materials, and infrastructure development.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Saturday 16 May

  1. Namibia and EU extend strategic partnership roadmap to 2030

    The EU and Namibian Government have agreed to extend their Strategic Partnership Roadmap until 2030, originally launched in 2023 to promote cooperation in renewable hydrogen and critical raw materials value chains. The extension will deepen cooperation through European investment, technology transfer, and improved market access.

    16 May 2026 · Informanté

Friday 15 May

  1. MPs call for mining firms to boost Namibia's direct development

    National Council members have urged the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to ensure mining companies contribute directly to Namibia's development, warning that the country loses out while foreign-owned firms benefit from its natural resources. Lawmakers also called for stricter inspection of mining sites to combat illegal mining, affordable electricity access for rural communities, and preservation of mineral resources for future generations.

    15 May 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Fuel policy confusion enables organised theft and smuggling networks

    Policy uncertainty around fuel drum restrictions has created conditions for organised fuel theft and smuggling, the Windhoek Observer reports. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy clarified that legitimate bulk purchases by farmers and businesses do not constitute hoarding, but the confusion exposed vulnerability to an informal market around the commodity.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Renewable energy now cheapest electricity source globally

    According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, utility-scale solar and onshore wind power now cost about US$40 per megawatt-hour globally in 2025, less than half the cost of new gas turbine plants at over US$100 per megawatt-hour, as renewable costs have fallen and fossil fuel prices have risen.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Oil and gas investor backs petroleum reform bill

    Namibian oil and gas investor Knowledge Katti has issued a statement supporting the Petroleum Amendment Bill and the proposed Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, arguing the reforms are necessary to strengthen oversight, attract investment, and accelerate Namibia's transition to oil production.

    12 May 2026 · Informanté

Monday 11 May

  1. Cabinet establishes Green Industries Council to replace hydrogen-focused body

    The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Ministry clarifies fuel drum purchases by farmers, tourism operators

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy said farmers, tourism operators and other businesses buying fuel in drums and jerry cans for operational use should not be viewed as engaging in fuel hoarding or panic buying. The ministry instructed fuel retailers to use discretion and ask for reasonable explanations to distinguish legitimate bulk buyers from those stockpiling, with temporary measures remaining in place for three months.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Businessman calls for Parliament backing of oil sector reforms

    Knowledge Katti has urged Parliament and national leaders to support the creation of the Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU) and the Petroleum Amendment Bill, arguing these reforms are necessary to help Namibia transition from oil exploration to production and address long-standing governance challenges in the sector.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. City of Windhoek reports debt reduction amid service criticism

    The City of Windhoek announced a reduction in debt from N$888 million to N$869 million, but residents criticized the municipality for spending heavily on salaries while service delivery remains poor, citing issues with waste collection and road repairs.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibia's offshore oil and gas sector attracts international exploration interest

    Namibia's offshore oil and gas sector continues to draw international interest, with a hydrocarbon licence map showing growing exploration activity across coastal basins and frontier areas. Multiple international oil companies hold exploration licences, with newly allocated blocks involving companies such as Baobab Energy, Elephant Oil, and others, while the offshore Orange Basin remains the main focus following recent major oil discoveries.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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