The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has extended the contract of Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni until 30 September 2026 to allow for the completion of key institutional projects and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
NSA Board Chairperson Justus Tjituka said Shimuafeni’s current contract is scheduled to end on 31 March 2026, but the board resolved on 14 August 2025 to extend his tenure by a further six months.
According to Tjituka, the decision forms part of the agency’s succession planning efforts and is intended to support operational continuity while preparations are made for new leadership.
“The NSA Board resolved to extend the Statistician-General’s contract from 31 March 2026 to 30 September 2026 to allow for the completion of critical projects and to facilitate a smooth handover process,” Tjituka said.
He noted that the appointment of a Statistician-General is governed by Section 23 of the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2011, which requires the board, with the approval of the Director General of the National Planning Commission, to appoint a suitably qualified candidate with expertise in statistics, information technology, economics or related disciplines.
Shimuafeni was first appointed as head of the NSA on 1 April 2016 for a five-year term that ended in March 2021. His contract was subsequently renewed for a second five-year term running from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2026.
The agency also confirmed that the contract of Deputy Statistician-General Otillie Mwazi was extended from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 after she reached the statutory retirement age on 31 December 2025.
Tjituka said the extension was granted to allow Mwazi to assist with the completion of ongoing projects and support a smooth transition within the agency.
“The Deputy Statistician-General reached retirement age on 31 December 2025 and the board resolved to extend her contract until 31 March 2026 to ensure completion of critical projects and a seamless transition,” he said.
The recruitment process for a new Deputy Statistician-General is already under way and is at an advanced stage, according to the board.
Tjituka added that the NSA has implemented systems and internal processes aimed at safeguarding institutional stability during the leadership transition.
“The board remains confident that the agency’s systems and processes are in place to ensure business continuity,” he said.
