In response to recent media inquiries and public interest regarding the appointment of Dino Ballotti as an employee on a Fixed Term Contract basis at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the NIPDB has clarifed the circumstances surrounding this decision.
In a statement, the Board said that in any organisation, the departure of a senior leader creates a leadership vacuum and a delivery challenge that cannot be easily overcome.
“Finding a successor to fill such a vacuum and perform at the expected level is an activity that requires both time, energy and tact. Following the departure of Ballotti as the Executive Director responsible for MSME Development, Innovation & Acceleration in August this year, the NIPDB noted that there will be a challenge for the organisation to deliver on some of its key initiatives and objectives as set out in its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) for the current financial year, as submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.
“Having served as one of the founding Executives of the NIPDB and being part of the development of the 2024/2025 ISBP of the NIPDB, Ballotti not only possesses institutional knowledge and memory, but also the requisite background and experience vital to the successful delivery of key initiatives currently being pursued by the NIPDB. Given Ballotti’s deep understanding of the NIPDB’s goals and challenges, his temporary engagement was thus deemed essential for the continued advancement of the organisation’s strategic objectives,” said NIPBD.
The Board went on say that it is against that background that the NIPDB re-engaged Ballotti to serve as an employee on a fixed term contract basis, with a clear scope of work aligned with the NIPDB’s strategic objectives and expected to contribute significantly to the successful implementation of key projects.
“In this capacity, he will also play a critical role in providing strategic guidance, technical support, and ensuring continuity during this period of transition, while the recruitment for the vacant Executive Director role (permanent), which is currently underway, is being finalised. The NIPDB reiterates its commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations. We equally acknowledge and appreciate the public interest in this matter and can confirm that this decision was made in the best interest of delivering on the mandate of the NIPDB, and ensuring that we continue to unlock investments for inclusive growth, with minimum to no interruptions.”