President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Defence Minister Frans Kapofi to temporarily head the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy, following Sunday’s dismissal of Natangue Ithete as energy minister.
The presidency confirmed the appointment in a statement late Monday, noting that the decision is aimed at ensuring “continuity and stability in government operations” while a permanent replacement is being considered.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah had initially signaled her intention to personally take charge of the ministry — a proposal that sparked debate across political and public circles. However, the President has since opted to delegate the role to Kapofi, describing the move as one that “maintains effective leadership and accountability within the ministry.”
“The appointment guarantees that the ministry remains fully functional as we continue efforts to strengthen governance and service delivery,” the statement read.
Kapofi, a long-serving Cabinet member and former Home Affairs minister, will now oversee key sectors such as energy policy, mining regulation, and industrial development until a substantive minister is named.
Ithete’s sudden removal has drawn attention within political and business communities, given the ministry’s central role in Namibia’s economic transformation agenda and the ongoing energy transition efforts.
No timeline has been given for the appointment of a permanent successor.
