The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy called on staff members to create plans to ensure sustainable mining practices and industrial development.

Natangue Ithete says the ministry's policies must safeguard the optimal use of Namibia's natural resources to support employment creation.

Ithete addressed staff members of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, gathered at Swakopmund.

The workers are expected to come up with a six-year strategic plan to guide the ministry, which was expanded to include the responsibility of industrialization.

"The outcomes should also prioritize energy security, promote renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water, and green hydrogen, and ensure sustainable energy access to drive economic growth and development, supporting exploration and policy review to ensure the responsible development of our resources and fostering a conducive environment for investment."

Ithete noted that the ministry has made progress in recent years to expand access to energy, strengthen regulations, and promote local industries.

"The ministry has targeted increasing the percentage of local ownership in mining. This means that any mineral rights granted must demonstrate that they are partly owned by Namibians. I am pleased to state that of all the 12 mining licenses issued during the last three years, all of them were subjected to the additional condition to ensure local participation, bringing local equity in the mining sector."

The Executive Director reminded staff members that they do not have the luxury of time and should complete the strategic plan by the end of April, without fail.

"The plans we craft here – it's a means to achieve the impact for the benefit of our people. We need to bring about economic growth; we need to bring about job creation; we need to bring about the availability and security of energy for the people of our country."

"The directives from the president are clear. We must respond and do everything needed to empower our people economically, create jobs, and harness our mineral resources for the benefit of all our people. There is no room for error; we must rise to the occasion; we must implement the directives without fail."

The meeting is also expected to draft the 2025/26 annual plan and performance agreements for the minister, deputy, and directors.