WINDHOEK, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has removed Natangwe Ithete from his posts as deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy, the presidency said in a statement on Sunday.

“In the interest of ensuring continuity and effective coordination within this key sector, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will assume responsibility for the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, effective immediately,” the statement said.

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It did not give a reason.

Ithete was appointed to the posts in March as part of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new administration. He remains a member of parliament, the statement said.

Resource-rich Namibia is aiming for its first crude oil production by 2030 after several major discoveries in recent years. It mines commodities like uranium and diamonds.

Reporting by Nyasha Nyaungwa;
Additional reporting by Wendell Roelf;
Writing by Nellie Peyton;
Editing by Alexander Winning

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