Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba expressed confidence in the country’s economic prospects on Wednesday, citing growth in mining, oil and gas, critical raw materials, and green hydrogen as key drivers, ahead of the upcoming leadership transition.

Speaking at the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, Mbumba said Namibia’s economy has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with tourism expected to further boost employment this year.

“I am pleased with the economic prospects that lie ahead, mainly driven by mining, oil and gas, critical raw materials as well as green hydrogen,” the Namibian President said. “Growth in the non-mineral economy, specifically tourism, is opening up opportunities for job creation in 2025 and beyond.”

Mbumba emphasized the Cabinet’s role in translating government policies into economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. “These should not just be numbers — our decisions should translate into a better quality of life for Namibians,” the Namibian President said.

The outgoing president urged ministers to complete outstanding work before the new administration takes office on March 21, maintaining transparency, accountability, and effective governance in the final weeks of the current term. “We should spare no effort to ensure that all the dossiers, all the programmes, and all activities that can be concluded ahead of 20 March 2025, are concluded,” he said.

The Cabinet meeting comes as Namibia prepares to inaugurate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, its first female president, following the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections, which saw the ruling SWAPO Party retain power.