The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has challenged newly appointed boards of four key economic institutions to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and ensure their mandates translate into tangible benefits for Namibians.
Amutse said this at the commissioning of the Namibia Competition Commission (NCC), Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), Namibia Estate Agents Board (NEAB) and Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA).
Amutse placed particular emphasis on NIDA, describing the revival of non-functional industrial parks as a top priority.
He stressed that businesses and young entrepreneurs cannot operate when facilities intended to support them remain closed.
The minister thus urged the agency to explore responsible partnerships with municipalities and other stakeholders to restore the facilities, adding that NIDA must generate measurable economic value from its investments.
Amutse also called on BIPA to make business registration accessible, the competition commission to safeguard fair competition and the estate agency board to strengthen consumer protection and professional standards in the property sector.
"Of course, some of you will have strategies in place already, but look at them. Maybe you just want to give it a new shape. Look at your financial positions and the institutions you are managing. Look at the major risks associated with the functions of those institutions and the objectives and the strategic plans of those institutions, because some of the integrated business plans were developed by consultants, and only God knows whether they were not just assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI)."
He further directed all newly appointed boards to develop measurable performance plans with clear targets and timelines.
Amutse warned against relying solely on management reports without verifying progress on the ground.
"Both members must manage conflicts of interest openly, protect confidential information, and prepare properly for meetings. Debate should be frank, and decisions should follow proper discussion. The chairperson has a particular responsibility to lead the board fairly and keep its attention on the institution's mandate."
Amutse said the public would ultimately judge the institutions by practical results.
This includes whether businesses can register efficiently, markets remain competitive, property practitioners are accountable and industrial facilities are operational.