Also known as: energy minister Modestus Amutse · Hon. Modestus Amutse · Minister Modestus Amutse · minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse · Minister Amutse · mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse · Former journalist Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse · Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse · deputy minister Modestus Amutse · Industries, mines and energy minister · industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse · Mines minister Modestus Amutse · Honourable Modestus Amutse
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy; has approved mergers and suspended competition conditions in fuel and cement sectors.
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New Era
Modestus Amutse was recently appointed Minister of Mines, Energy, and Industry
“Lastly, the Namibian Mineworkers' Union welcomes the recent appointment of the Minister of Mines, Energy, and Industry, Modestus Amutse, and wishes him success in his new role.”
Opinion – New Year of empowerment, recommitment as mine workersThe Namibian
Modestus Amutse tabled the oil and gas amendment bill in the National Assembly
“This follows minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse's tabling of the oil and gas amendment bill in the National Assembly yesterday.”
Opposition warns Namibia’s new oil bill could fuel Fishrot-style corruption under PresidencyThe Namibian
Modestus Amutse defended placing upstream petroleum powers under Office of the President
“Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has defended the decision to place new upstream petroleum powers under the Office of the President.”
Amutse defends vesting of oil powers in PresidencyThe Namibian
Modestus Amutse rejected claims that the move concentrates too much power in the Presidency
“Speaking to Desert FM on Thursday, Amutse rejected claims that the move concentrates too much power in the Presidency.”
Amutse defends vesting of oil powers in PresidencyInformanté
Minister Modestus Amutse read the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill of 2025 in Parliament
“Modestus Amutse, the Mines and Energy Minister, in Parliament on 4 February 2026, read the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill of 2025, which seeks to modernise and strengthen the existing Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1991.”
New Petroleum Bill requires disclosure of oil interests by top officialsThe Namibian
Minister Modestus Amutse set to table the petroleum bill today
“The bill to amend the Petroleum (Exploration and production) Act of 1991 is set to be tabled today by the minister of industries, mines and energy, Modestus Amutse, after it was blocked last year when defence minister Frans Kapofi was acting as the minister.”
Namibia petroleum bill: MPs vow to scrutinise transfer of power to presidencyNew Era
Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse visited the //Kharas region
“Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse recently visited the //Kharas region, where he among others said locals must benefit more from natural resources found there.”
Amutse pushes for //Kharas local beneficiationNew Era
Amutse called on small miners to work closely with mineral exporters for value addition
“The minister then called on small miners to work more closely with those exporting the minerals to process it here for value addition.”
Amutse pushes for //Kharas local beneficiationNew Era
Energy minister Modestus Amutse said government's promise to work with communities to ensure electricity reaches every household
“"It is a renewal of government's promise to work with communities, through their elected leadership, to ensure that access to electricity reaches every household, regardless of location or income level," energy minister Modestus Amutse said.”
Govt, sored launch peri-urban electrification projectThe Namibian
Minister Modestus Amutse says rural electrification costs N$80,000-N$300,000 per household depending on distance and terrain
“"Rural electrification is extremely challenging and expensive. In some rural areas, connecting a single household can cost between N$80 000 and N$300 000, depending on distance, terrain and settlement patterns," says Amuste.”
Electrification costs government N$300 000 per householdThe 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 →
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 →
Members of Parliament have challenged the incoming Anti-Corruption Commission leadership to demonstrate independence and impartiality, with lawmakers warning that the institution's credibility depends on investigating corruption without fear or favour. Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi criticized the outgoing ACC leadership and alleged the commission had been weaponized to settle political scores and applied investigations selectively.
14 July 2026 · New Era →
The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia has called for the Ohorongo-Cheetah cement merger to be withdrawn following Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse's decision to overturn the Namibia Competition Commission's block on the transaction, warning it threatens competition, local contractors, and SMEs despite conditions aimed at preventing job losses and preserving production.
13 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has approved the merger between Nasan Energies and the divestiture business from Vivo Energy and Engen Namibia, while suspending enforcement of several conditions imposed by the Namibia Competition Commission. The decision follows a review application by Nasan Energies in April; the merger involved Nasan acquiring 52 Shell and Engen service stations divested as a competition remedy after Vivo Energy acquired Engen's downstream fuel business.
13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian's editorial argues that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit to China offers an opportunity for Namibia to learn from Beijing's economic reforms in artificial intelligence, agriculture, and energy, while remaining cautious about China's record on human rights and debt practices in developing countries.
12 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of weakening fuel-sector competition by suspending restrictions on Nasan Energies sourcing fuel from Vitol. The restrictions were imposed by the Namibian Competition Commission in April over concerns the deal would substantially lessen competition, but line minister Modestus Amutse suspended them under Section 49 of the Competition Act; IPC claims Vitol already controls between 75% and 85% of Namibia's wholesale fuel market.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's energy minister has suspended competition commission conditions that prohibited Nasan Energies from buying fuel from Vitol for five years following its acquisition of 42 service stations from Vivo Energy in May. The suspension is temporary and attributed to concerns about the state's fuel import costs and the financial strain on the National Energy Fund.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Ohorongo Cement says its merger with Schwenk Namibia's Cheetah Cement, approved with conditions by the minister of industries, mines and energy, will not result in job losses but will involve staff relocation from Otjiwarongo to Otavi and increased local ownership requirements.
3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government spent N$1.3 billion in two months to keep fuel prices low, draining the National Energy Fund to between N$200 million and N$300 million. Heavy spending began in April when international fuel costs rose, with the government paying N$805 million in April and N$490 million in May.
2 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has reduced fuel prices for July after spending N$1.3 billion in relief; petrol drops by N$1.00 per litre and diesel by N$4.00 per litre effective 3 July, attributed to lower international crude oil prices and a stronger Namibian dollar. A coordinated fuel supply arrangement running through September 2026 will eliminate import premiums previously charged above the Basic Fuel Price.
2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy announced a reduction in fuel prices effective Friday 3 July: petrol will decrease by N$1.00 per litre, while both 50ppm and 10ppm diesel will drop by N$4.00 per litre, attributed to lower international oil prices, reduced shipping costs and a stronger Namibian dollar.
1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's fuel prices will decrease effective 3 July 2026: petrol 95 by N$1.00 per litre to N$22.48, and all diesel grades by N$4.00 per litre (diesel 50 ppm to N$24.26, diesel 10 ppm to N$24.36 at Walvis Bay). The Minister of Mines attributed the reductions to softer international oil prices, improved supply chains, and NAD appreciation against the USD.
1 July 2026 · Informanté →
Rössing Uranium achieved its highest uranium oxide production in over a decade in 2025, generating more than N$1 billion in profit and paying N$750 million in taxes, royalties and dividends in Namibia. The mine processed 10 million tonnes of ore and produced over 3,000 tonnes of uranium oxide for the first time since 2010.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Dr. Benonia Rafael delivered a vote of thanks at the launch of the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination project, commending the Prime Minister and other government officials for their support. The project involves Chinese partners and is positioned as part of Namibia's water security and infrastructure-led growth priorities.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
The mines ministry appointed Aune Amutenya as acting petroleum commissioner effective 2 June, taking over from Maggy Shino, who will continue as director of upstream petroleum affairs.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
The government awarded a three-month fuel supply arrangement worth an estimated N$7.2 billion to international energy trader Vitol, intensifying scrutiny of governance at state-owned oil company Namcor, which lacks a substantive managing director. Critics claim Namcor submitted a cheaper proposal, raising questions about confidence in the company's operational capacity, though Namcor's board chairperson denied operating in a leadership vacuum.
16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A coalition of small miners and community members in Uis has petitioned the ministry of industries, mines and energy to remove three directors—Helena Itamba, Aune Andreas, and Anna Daniels—from the Small Miners of Uis board, alleging they have held positions since approximately 2010 without financial transparency, mandate renewal, or accountability. The petitioners say the directors have failed to convene Annual General Meetings or produce audited financial statements, blocking governance reform.
15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Petroleum oils, including diesel and petrol, accounted for 18.1% of Namibia's goods imports in April, the highest share of any product. The country imported goods worth N$14.2 billion but exported only N$9.8 billion, creating a N$4.4 billion trade deficit, with petroleum mainly sourced from Nigeria, Oman and Sweden.
13 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namcor says awarding Vitol a three-month fuel supply contract is "commercially beneficial" and aligned with national objectives, following concerns from parliamentarians and a former managing director that the deal sidelined the state oil company. Namcor cited working capital limitations and previous financial weaknesses requiring N$1.2 billion in government support in April 2024, and additional N$401 million in July and August 2025.
12 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Energy minister Modestus Amutse told parliament that international oil trader Vitol was selected to supply fuel to Namibia for three months because it required no government guarantees, whereas state oil company Namcor and other bidders needed guarantees the government was unwilling to provide. Vitol will supply fuel at the basic fuel price the government calculates monthly.
10 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse told Parliament that ongoing fuel reforms aim to eliminate additional "premium" charges paid by consumers and reduce fuel costs through a coordinated import framework. He clarified that the fuel supply chain involves international suppliers, licensed wholesalers, and retailers, and that "premium" charges have arisen from wholesalers' claims about securing fuel and supply security concerns.
10 June 2026 · Informanté →
Former Namcor acting managing director Maureen Hinda-Mbuende has criticised the government's award of a N$7.2 billion three-month fuel supply contract to Vitol, saying the deal is "counter-productive and monopolistic" and will damage the downstream fuel sector's long-term competitiveness. Hinda-Mbuende claims Namcor offered a cheaper deal and that Vitol's ownership of Shell and Engen service stations creates conflicts of interest that could harm competitors.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Fuel and Franchise Association says Nasan Energies has failed to deliver fuel paid for upfront and has not honoured agreements made with divested retailers. FAFA claims Nasan promised a three-month 'Bring the Cash Incentive' and to honour existing seven-day credit terms, but did not provide written confirmation and has failed to deliver orders within promised timeframes.
8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Energy Minister Modestus Amutse granted Swiss commodity trader Vitol an exclusive mandate to supply Namibia's entire fuel needs from June to August under a contract valued at an estimated N$2.4 billion a month, raising concerns about fuel sector capture given Vitol's links to individuals connected to politicians and the decision's apparent circumvention of the Competition Commission's conditions on fuel sourcing.
7 June 2026 · The Namibian →
International oil trader Vitol, which has been awarded a three-month sole fuel-supplier contract for Namibia, is a single company with multiple operational subsidiaries and offices, according to Minister Modestus Amutse. The clarification was made after confusion arose over which Vitol entity held the tender, with Amutse noting that Vitol has been supplying petroleum products to Namibia for the last six months.
7 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse denied that Vitol Bahrain's appointment as sole fuel supplier to Namibia for three months was illegal, responding to AR leader Job Amupanda's claim that the arrangement violates the Petroleum Products and Energy Act, which requires fuel importers to hold a wholesale licence and be registered in Namibia.
4 June 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →