Ithete dismissal raises questions about governance and investor confidence

(Photo by @NamPresidency/X)

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to relieve Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, of his duties continues to attract analysis from policy experts. The Presidency maintains, though, that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination and oversight in the country’s energy and industrial sectors.

Public Policy Analyst Dr. Marius Kudumo said the reasons for the dismissal remain unclear, but stressed that the move does not automatically have governance or political implications.

“Appointments of the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers fall within the powers and duties of the President,” Kudumo explained. “If there are valid reasons for the President’s decision, it should not affect governance.”

Kudumo also addressed concerns about stability and foreign investment, noting that functional institutions should not rely on individual officeholders.

He added that if the dismissal were based on hearsay or personal grievances, it could affect predictability and investor confidence.

Adding to the discussion, Institute for Public Policy Research Associate Frederico Links warned that the lack of clear communication about the dismissal is fueling speculation and conspiracy theories.

Meanwhile, the Presidency asked journalists to leave a meeting where President Nandi-Ndaitwah engaged with over 300 staff members from the Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines, and Energy. This came despite a prior invitation requesting media to attend, dress formally, and arrive early. Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo.

Presentations on the ministry’s performance over the past seven months are scheduled later in the week.