Corruption, especially where public officials obtain private gains from holding public office, is among the practical challenges with the potential to derail the effective management of our natural resources. The more we are transparent in our conduct, the higher the chance of realising our fair share of the economic benefits from our natural resources – Tom Alweendo
Mines minister Tom Alweendo’s job is one not to envy at this time when the world’s eyes are on him.
While it is true that anyone can be a minister to any ministry, the mines and energy sector needed someone who understands the economy and business values.
Alweendo commands respect from the extractive sector investors by being a Bank of Namibia governor. Although he is a minister, Alweendo cuts out a figure of a technocrat and not a politician.
With all the attention on the mines and energy ministry, investors need a calm, sober and trustworthy person.
Those who have met Alweendo can testify that he has all it takes to steer Namibia’s mining and energy sector now.
POLICY DECISIONS
This year alone, Alweendo made decisions that benefit Namibians and the investors. In May, Alweendo announced that Namibia would consider taking minority stakes in mining and petroleum companies.
“We are making a case that local ownership must start with the state, which owns our natural resources.
“The proposed state ownership should take the form where the state owns a minimum equity percentage in all mining companies and petroleum production, for which it does not have to pay,” Alweendo said.
In June, Alweendo announced that Namibia had banned the export of unprocessed lithium and other critical minerals.
Alweendo said from January 2024, companies and individuals applying for mining licences will do so online.
“You will not have to come to the Ministry of Mines and Energy to submit your application,” Alweendo said, adding that the ministry would evaluate all the applications to eliminate backlogs because people would submit their applications daily.
CLARITY OF MIND
On every forum, Alweendo has shown clarity of thought. In May, during the 5th Namibia International Energy Conference in Windhoek, Alweendo highlighted four critical issues in the energy sector:
Issue 1: The global importance of energy requires careful attention, as demonstrated by the current geopolitical tensions.
Issue 2: Namibia and Africa are experiencing a severe energy shortage, and it is crucial to utilise all available resources to enhance the population’s well-being.
Issue 3: The recent oil discoveries in the country will only be beneficial if managed transparently and inclusively, with a focus on local content and the involvement of the next generation.
Issue 4: There is a need to be responsible custodians of a valuable resource and manage it sustainably for present and future generations.
During the Mining Expo in August, Alweendo said:
Issue 1: The recent oil and gas discoveries are not an automatic remedy for our socioeconomic challenges.
Issue 2: The importance of governance in managing the upstream oil and gas sector.
Issue 3: The need to prioritise the development of our local capability to manage the sector.
Issue 4: The energy transition impacts our oil and gas sector.
FIGHTING CORRUPTION
Alweendo has not shied away from talking about corruption in resource management.
In May, he spoke about the need for politicians to mitigate corruption in managing natural resources to ensure that in-country value creation reaches ordinary citizens.
“Corruption, especially where public officials obtain private gains from holding public office, is among the practical challenges with the potential to derail the effective management of our natural resources.
“The more we are transparent in our conduct, the higher the chance of realising our fair share of the economic benefits from our natural resources,” he said.
A BELIEVER IN WHAT IS RIGHT
This year, Alweendo has gone to court to defend what he believed was right for Namibians. There was the case of Deep-South Resources’ Haib Copper Mine licence renewal. Although he lost the case, Alweendo took little time to renew the Deep-South (now Koryx Resources) licence.
Alweendo’s court battle with Xinfeng is legendary because the Chinese company still exploits loopholes to export raw lithium.
In December, Alweendo won a High Court against Nuska Technologies, forcing the government to renew a five-year N$200m diamond valuation tender with Namdia.
