WINDHOEK, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba on Wednesday expressed confidence in the country's economic prospects, citing growth in mining, oil and gas, critical raw materials, and green hydrogen as key drivers.
Speaking at the first Cabinet meeting in 2025, Mbumba said Namibia's economy has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with tourism expected to 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," he 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 ensuring that government policies result in economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication.
"These should not just be numbers -- our decisions should translate into a better quality of life for Namibians," he said.
The outgoing president urged ministers to complete outstanding work before the new administration takes office on March 21 while upholding transparency, accountability, and effective governance in the final weeks of the current administration.
"We should spare no effort to ensure that all the dossiers, all the programs, 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 its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Namibia held presidential and National Assembly elections in 2024, with the ruling SWAPO Party retaining power. ■