Namibia’s newly elected President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Ericah Shafudah as finance minister and Lucia Witbooi as vice president, as part of a reduced cabinet aimed at improving efficiency and cutting costs.
Shafudah, who worked in the finance ministry for 21 years, will be responsible for managing Namibia’s economy, while Witbooi takes on the role of vice president.
Other key appointments include Natangwe Ithete as mines and energy minister and Selma Ashipala-Musavyi as foreign affairs and trade minister.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female president, has reduced her cabinet from 21 ministers and 21 deputies to 14 ministers and seven deputies.
This move aims to eliminate duplications, reduce expenditure, and ensure effective implementation of the government’s development programs.
The new president has also pledged to boost investments in the agricultural sector and diversify the resource-focused economy to address high unemployment rates.
