Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Modestus Amutse as the new Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), effective 02 December 2025. A media statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday said the appointment is made in line with Article 35 of the Namibian Constitution.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Article 35 empowers the President to appoint Ministers from members of the National Assembly to administer and execute the functions of Government. Amutse previously served as Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, a Member of Parliament, and chairperson of a National Assembly standing committee. He also held leadership roles at the regional level.

Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed appreciation to Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi, who had been acting in the position. "I extend gratitude to Honourable Frans Kapofi for his commitment, steady leadership, and the support provided to the ministry during the interim period," she said.

The Head of State noted that the appointment follows the recent Regional Council and Local Authority elections. "The Namibian people reaffirmed their trust in the Swapo Party, and the 8th Administration remains firmly focused on quality service delivery, accountability, and effective implementation of national priorities," she said.

These priorities include the Swapo Party Election Manifesto, its Implementation Plan, and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Nandi-Ndaitwah wished Amutse well as he assumes his new duties. "I wish Honourable Amutse success as he leads the ministry at a time when Namibia is advancing industrialisation, strengthening the mining sector, and accelerating progress in the energy space," she said.