President Hage Geingob has appointed James Mnyupe as presidential economic advisor. The president wanted the right fit for the job, considering the needs of the country at this difficult time when the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and subdued economic activity across the globe. Mnyupe, who is a chartered accountant by profession is the outgoing managing director of Allan Gray Namibia, an asset management firm. He served as a member of the Presidential High-Level Panel on the Namibian economy. Mnyupe is also a certified financial analyst, a graduate of UNAM and Rhodes University, who also holds a certificate in infrastructure in market economy from Harvard Kennedy School. His appointment is aimed at strengthening the presidential advisory team, which has functioned without an economic advisor. He will bring much-needed insights and expertise about the catalyzing role of the private sector and investments in the process of economic growth. He will also assist the president in the execution of post-COVID-19 recovery plans for Namibia. His appointment is effective from 1 September.