Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade

Welcoming New Leadership & A Smooth Transition -The former Executive Director of the then Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, Mr. Sikongo Haihambo, together with the entire staff and CEOs of the Ministry’s SOEs, warmly welcomed the newly appointed Executive Directors under the new government administration. This follows the merging of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade into the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation. The new leadership comprises Mr. Ben Nangombe from the Ministry of Health and Social Services and Ms. Esther Kaapanda from the Ministry of Works and Transport.

As we embrace this transition, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Sikongo Haihambo for his dedicated service. He now takes on a new journey as the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism. His leadership and commitment have been invaluable, and we wish him great success in his new role.

This farewell gathering symbolized a smooth and seamless transition, as Mr. Haihambo officially welcomed the incoming Executive Directors. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy remains committed to continuity, collaboration, and progress in serving the nation.

MIT Bids Farewell to Hon. Lucia Iipumbu and Hon. Verna Sinimbo

Today 28 March 2025, the then Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) hosted a heartfelt farewell event to honour the contributions of Hon. Lucia Iipumbu, former Minister and Hon. Verna Sinimbo, former Deputy Minister as they transition into new leadership roles. Hon. Iipumbu, who now takes on the position of Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, played a pivotal role in driving Namibia’s industrialisation agenda, championing SME development, and advancing trade facilitation. Under her leadership, MIT spearheaded initiatives that strengthened local entrepreneurship, improved market access, and promoted sustainable industrial growth.

Hon. Sinimbo, who today was appointed as the Governor of Kavango West Region, was instrumental in fostering regional economic development and advocating for investment in local industries. During her tenure as Deputy Minister, she worked closely with stakeholders to enhance value addition in key sectors and support the ease of doing business in Namibia. Her dedication to empowering businesses and communities alike has left a lasting impact on the ministry’s mandate and the broader economic landscape.

The farewell event was marked by expressions of gratitude from MIT staff and key stakeholders, including representatives from the ministry’s State-Owned Enterprises—BIPA, NACC, NSI, NIDA, NTF, GS1, and NEAB. These institutions acknowledged the invaluable guidance and leadership of both Hon. Iipumbu and Hon. Sinimbo, which significantly contributed to policy development, regulatory improvements, and institutional capacity building. As they embark on their new journeys, MIT extends its best wishes to both leaders, confident that their expertise and dedication will continue to serve Namibia’s national interests.

MIT & CooPSA Boost Technical Training with Equipment Donation

On 24 March 2025,the Cooling Programme for Southern Africa (CooPSA) in collaboration with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) under the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT), donated tools and equipment worth N$1,650,710.33 to four Vocational Training Centres (VTCs): Windhoek VTC, Gobabis VTC, Valombola VTC, and NIMT. This donation aims to enhance technicians' skills in the safe handling of refrigerants.

The event will brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from donor organizations, government officials, training institutions, and industry players, to witness this milestone in technical skills development,The official handover ceremony, was officiated by MIT Executive Director, Mr. Sikongo Haihambo.

This initiative underscored MIT’s commitment to enhancing skills development and empowering RAC technicians with modern tools to promote safe and environmentally friendly practices in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector.

🚨 Meet Our Newly Trained Emergency Marshalls & First Aiders!

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade proudly announces the recent training by the City of Windhoek's Fire Brigade Unit for our Emergency Marshalls and First Aiders through the Security & Risk Management Division. These dedicated individuals are now equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring workplace safety and rapid first aid assistance.

Their role is crucial in preventing injuries, managing risks, and safeguarding lives in our institution. Let’s appreciate their commitment to keeping us safe!

Happy 35 Years of Freedom for All

Happy Birthday, Hon. Deputy Minister Verna Sinimbo!🎉🎂🎈

On this special day, we celebrate not only the milestone of another year but also your unwavering dedication and commitment to the growth and development of our nation. Your leadership, vision, and passion for industrialization and trade continue to inspire many.

May this new year bring you abundant joy, success, and good health as you continue to serve with excellence. Wishing you a fantastic birthday filled with love, laughter, and blessings!

Namibia moves to speed up border clearance and boost trade

Namibia has launched a Coordinated Border Management (CBM) National Strategy aimed at improving efficiency in trade facilitation and reducing non-tariff barriers at border posts.

The strategy, which aligns with the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, seeks to streamline operations across multiple border agencies to enhance Namibia’s global competitiveness.

Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner Sam Shivute highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that delays at ports and border posts have been a significant hurdle to trade efficiency.
https://thebrief.com.na/2025/03/namibia-moves-to-speed-up-border-clearance-and-boost-trade/ Namibia Revenue Agency-NamRA Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade

STRATEGIC RETREAT-The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade’s managers and chiefs are gathered in Swakopmund for a crucial Strategic Planning Meeting, reflecting on the past five years—achievements, challenges, and way forwards.

This strategic planning process is essential in assessing progress, setting priorities, and realigning efforts to drive Namibia’s economic growth. It ensures that policies and programs contribute effectively to national development.

As Namibia transitions into a new government, this retreat comes at a pivotal moment to reinforce the ministry’s commitment to Vision 2030 which aims to building a competitive, diversified, and sustainable economy. By refining strategies, the ministry continues paving the way for stronger industrialisation, trade expansion, and economic resilience.