Iipumbi Shiimi: Who is this man?

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



Iipumbi Shiimi has been appointed as the new minister of finance, replacing Calle Schlettwein, who became the minister of agriculture.

Shiimi joins the cabinet from the Bank of Namibia, where he worked for close to 25 years. Starting his career at the now defunct Namibia Economic Policy Research Unit as a junior researcher in 1994, he joined the central bank in 1995, where he has worn many hats.



Working his way up

He started as a senior researcher and became the manager of the economics division in 1997. In 1999, he became the manager of the modelling and forecasting division in the research department.

In 2000, he took over as the manager of the statistics division in the research department, while in 2001, he became the deputy head and in 2002, he became the chief economist and headed the department.

In June 2006, Shiimi became a senior manager in the banking supervision department. He served in this position until he was appointed as assistant governor in November 2006.

He occupied this position until March 2010 when he was appointed as governor of the bank. During his career, he has participated in various research projects, co-authored several publications and served on various boards and committees.



Academic qualifications

Shiimi holds a master of science degree in financial economics from the University of London, as well as a postgraduate diploma in economic principles from the same institution. He also boasts a diploma in foreign trade and management from the Maastricht School of Management as well as an honours degree in economics and a bachelor of commerce in economics and accounting, both from the University of the Western Cape.

For now, Ebson Uanguta, in his capacity as deputy governor of the bank, will be in charge until a substantive governor is appointed.

“During this transitional period at the bank, the deputy governor, Ebson Uanguta, who until recently served as acting commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency, is performing executive responsibilities in conjunction with the board of the bank. He will be supported by the senior management team,” the central bank said in a brief statement.

According to the Namibian Constitution, it is the prerogative of the president to appoint, on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, the governor and the deputy governor of the central bank. Such recommendation is made after consultation with the finance minister.