NIEC2026

Honourable Modestus Amutse is the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, having been appointed to this strategic portfolio on 2 December 2025 by Her Excellency, President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

A seasoned politician, public servant, and leader with deep roots in governance, Honourable Amutse brings extensive experience at both regional and national levels of government. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, a Member of the National Assembly, and Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee, where he contributed meaningfully to legislative oversight and policy development.

Honourable Amutse’s public service career spans more than a decade at the regional level, including distinguished service as a Councillor and as Chairperson of the Omusati Regional Council. In these roles, he demonstrated strong leadership, community-centred governance, and a commitment to inclusive development.

Academically, Honourable Amutse holds qualifications in Business Administration, Communication, Public Governance, and Law, underpinning his pragmatic and results-oriented approach to leadership and public administration.

As Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Honourable Amutse provides strategic leadership in advancing Namibia’s industrialisation agenda, promoting sustainable mining practices, and strengthening the energy sector to support economic growth, job creation, and national development. His vision aligns with the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, value addition, and the responsible utilisation of Namibia’s natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Honourable Modestus Amutse remains dedicated to public service, accountable governance, and the socio-economic transformation of Namibia.

SPECIAL ADVISOR & HEAD

UPSTREAM PETROLEUM UNIT IN THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

Kornelia Kashiimbindjola Shilunga is a Namibian politician who was a member of the National Assembly from 2015 to 21 March 2025. She served as Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, becoming the first woman to hold this position, until 22 March 2025. She currently heads the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President. 

Honourable Shilunga boasts a diverse career across multiple sectors. She began as a teacher and registered nurse before transitioning to public service, including roles at the Office of the President as Liaison Officer for the Department of Women Affairs in the Oshana and Omusati regions, and as Chief Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare. 

Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has contributed to community-focused committees, including the Advisory Committee of Skill Share International in Namibia, the Women and Child Protection Unit Committee in Oshana Region, and the Prison Zonal Release Board. 

She currently serves as Chairperson of the Namibia Energy Council and is an active member of the SWAPO Party Women’s Council and politburo. Her work focuses on the extractive industry, rural electrification, and community development. 

Her academic achievements include a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (University of Namibia & ISS, Netherlands), a Master’s in Business Administration (ESAMI), a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Education and Community Health, a Diploma in Nursing Sciences, and an LLB from the University of Namibia.

SPECIAL ADVISOR & DEPUTY HEAD

UPSTREAM PETROLEUM UNIT IN THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

Carlo L. M. McLeod is the Presidential Special Advisor and Deputy Head of the  Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency of the Republic of Namibia. He has over 20  years’ experience in petroleum law, law & governance, and public sector leadership,  with senior roles at Chevron Namibia and the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He holds a  Master of Oil and Gas Law (University of Aberdeen), a Master of Public Administration in  Mines and Mineral Resources (Mines ParisTech), an LLB (Hons) and a B.Juris (University  of Namibia), and is completing an MBA at the Namibia University of Science and  Technology.  

Mr. McLeod is committed to transparency and national capacity building, and continues  to support Namibia’s emergence as a responsible and globally competitive petroleum producing nation.

PETROLEUM COMMISSIONER

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES, MINES & ENERGY

She is a daughter, a wife and a mother to two wonderful children.

Maggy Shino heads the Petroleum Affairs Directorate within the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy.

She has over 15 years working experience in petroleum geological & geophysical and environmental management related fields with a substantial part of her job requirements being supervisory roles and field works.

Her career journey started when she joined the Ministry as an Energy Researcher where she was responsible for making use of energy research findings to influence honoring energy demands and policy formulations in the renewable energy sector.

She later became a Petroleum Inspector with the responsibilities of ensuring the health, safety, and environmental sustainability in the petroleum upstream and downstream sector for Namibia.

In an effort to focus on advancing the exploration activities in Namibia she later became the Petroleum Geologist conducting geochemical and structural analysis to locate possible oil and gas accumulations on the Namibian continental shelf.

She advanced with this role through different rankings to become a Deputy Director with overall responsibility of 

• evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of the different basins onshore and offshore by using all the existing data, 
• provide steer on the overall exploration strategy
• provide input to the planning exploration drilling and testing programs and monitor their execution etc.

This therefore led to her progressing to the role of Petroleum Commissioner and Director of the Petroleum Affairs Directorate where she regulates the petroleum upstream and downstream sector by: 

• ensure adequate supply of petroleum products to the Namibian nation.
• minimise the negative impact of petroleum resources utilisation, exploration and exploitation on the environment 
• contribute to the creation of value for society from petroleum activities and
• promoting oil and gas investments 
• And administering the various legal instruments governing the Namibian petroleum industry

Her current role as the Petroleum Commissioner involves amongst other responsibilities the promotion of oil and gas investments, negotiating Petroleum Agreements, issuing of licenses and the administration of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act.

Mrs Shino has served as a Board member of Namibia’s Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) since 2012. 

Mrs Shino holds a Masters degree in Petroleum Geochemistry from the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom, a BSc degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Namibia and a diploma in Upstream Management of Petroleum Development and Operations from PETRAD, Stavanger in Norway. She further holds an MBA degree from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Through her career journey she attended training in various petroleum related fields including Oil, Gas and Mining Governance from Blavatnik School of Governance at the University of Oxford.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

RICHAFRICA CONSULTANCY

Founder & CEO, RichAfrica Consultancy | Founder, Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC)

Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni is a strategic energy thought leader and entrepreneur operating at the intersection of policy, investment, and Africa’s energy markets. With over a decade of experience in natural resources law and energy governance, she is recognised for shaping policy dialogue, influencing strategy, and building platforms that translate vision into execution.

Through RichAfrica Consultancy, Selma advises governments and corporations on natural resources governance, energy strategy, investment facilitation, market entry, and multi-stakeholder engagement—supporting alignment between public policy objectives and private sector capital and capability.

She is the visionary founder and curator of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), Africa’s premier energy platform. Since its inception in 2012, NIEC has convened global energy companies, financiers, policymakers, and African leaders, emerging as a trusted forum for strategic dialogue, partnership-building, and collaboration across the energy value chain.

Selma served as lead oil and gas consultant in the development of Namibia’s National Energy Policy and contributed to the review of the White Paper on Energy, addressing key cross-cutting priorities including local content, gender inclusion, capacity building, regional integration, and sustainability.

A sought-after speaker and moderator, she has participated in major international forums including African Energy Week, the Afreximbank Annual Meeting, the EU-Africa Business Forum, Forbes Women Africa, and the Katanga Business Meeting. She is also the founder of the Future Energy Leaders Legacy Programme, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Namibian energy leaders.

Selma holds two Master of Laws (LLM) degrees from the University of Leeds and the University of Dundee, and a BSc from La Roche University (USA).

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

AFRICAN ENERGY CHAMBER

NJ Ayuk is Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, CEO of pan-African corporate law conglomerate Centurion Law Group, and the author of Big Barrels as well as Amazon and Wall Street Journal’s bestselling Billions at Play: The Future of African Energy and Doing Deals.

 His experience includes advising major companies on investment strategies, the establishment of joint ventures and cooperation structures, privatisation, licensing, and related tax matters, OHADA law, oil and gas, power, local content development, litigation, contracts negotiation, governance, and other matters pertaining to Africa’s energy sector. He is particularly active in the structuring, negotiation, and implementation of petroleum, mining, LNG, and other natural resource projects for leading private operators in Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, Uganda, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, Nigeria, Senegal, and other sub-Saharan countries. His experience also includes facilitating and negotiating PSCs, EPSAs, JOAs, service agreements, concessions, oilfield service, and drilling contracts, and dealing with licensing and pipeline and marine transportation issues, including the sale and transportation of LNG, in over 15 African countries.

EXECUTIVE FOR UPSTREAM EXPLORATION

NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION OF NAMIBIA (NAMCOR)

Victoria serves as the Executive for Upstream Exploration at NAMCOR, her role entails leading the Upstream Exploration team in order to grow NAMCOR’s hydrocarbon exploration portfolio by developing business opportunities in line with the company strategy.

She is a Geologist by profession and she holds a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Namibia with research titled Petroleum System Analysis and Seismic Study of the Orange Basin, Offshore Namibia. In addition, she also possesses an MBA degree from Aberdeen University, UK and a Bachelor of Science (Hon) degree in Geology from the University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa) as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Chemistry from the University of Namibia.

Victoria is currently serving as a Secretary at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) for Africa región. Moreover, she is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Petrofund. She previous served as the Chairperson of the Mining and Quarrying, construction, Electricity, Gas, Water supply, and Sanitation industry skills committee at Namibia training authority (NTA) and Vice President on the Geological Council of Namibia (GCN).

 She possesses a wide range of knowledge, experience and skills in the area of Geosciences and has worked in this field for the past 18 years.

COUNTRY MANAGER, WEST AFRICA FRONTIER EXPLORATION

CHEVRON

Beatrice Bienvenu was appointed Chevron’s Country Manager for West Africa Frontier exploration in July 2025. Based in Houston, she is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall performance of Chevron’s exploration activities in Namibia. 

Prior to her current role, she was the Manager for Chevron’s Pipeline & Power Control Center in Houston, responsible for overseeing the safe and reliable operations of the company’s U.S. federally regulated pipelines, which transports 2 million barrels a day of crude, natural gas, refined products and chemicals and 600 megawatts of gas-fired Cogen power plants. 

Beatrice joined Chevron in 2009. Since then, she has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility. She has worked in Chevron’s technical center as a seismic specialist, in the U.S. Gulf of America drilling exploration wells and appraising discovered resources to assess commerciality. She also worked in the U.S. Permian Basin optimizing the drilling of horizontal development wells.  

She was also advisor for the company’s International Exploration group, supporting exploration strategy, portfolio optimization, business planning, activity execution tracking, and financial reporting. She served as Chief of Staff for the Government Affairs office in Washington, DC for almost 3 years.’

Beatrice graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a BS in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Management Science and an MS in Geophysics. 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

RHINO RESOURCES

Travis Smithard is CEO of Rhino Resources Ltd., an independent energy exploration company advancing a stewardship-led approach to responsible development. He brings a strong technical foundation and a disciplined, data-driven leadership style to frontier exploration, positioning Rhino as a highly agile and results-focused operator in emerging hydrocarbon basins. 

Under his leadership, Rhino, operator of PEL 85 in Namibia’s Orange Basin, achieved three discoveries in 2025: Sagittarius, Capricornus and Volans. 

The team received Africa Energy Summit Leopard Award for Independent Player of the Year

VICE PRESIDENT HEARTLAND EXPLORATION & NAMIBIA

Shell

Nisrine Al-Kadi is Vice President Heartland Exploration & Namibia at Shell. Since joining Shell in 2002, she has held a range of international leadership roles across Upstream and Integrated Gas, spanning exploration, development, capability, portfolio management, and asset delivery. Prior to her current role, Nisrine was General Manager Development and Subsurface UK.

She holds a Master’s degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Nisrine is Lebanese American, married to Inshan Rahim, and together they have twin daughters, Ayla and Yasmine. Outside of work, she enjoys family and friend gatherings, skiing, and tennis.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FIRSTRAND NAMIBIA

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Azule Energy

ND Maduemezia is president of Europe and Africa, a position he assumed in 2025. In this role, he oversees all operations across the basin, guiding strategic and operational decisions to advance the company’s performance and growth. Since joining SLB in 2000, ND has held a broad range of leadership and operations management roles in drilling, reservoir characterization, and production, with experience across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His previous senior leadership positions include senior vice president of Sales and Commercial, vice president of Investor Relations, vice president of Drilling & Measurements, and vice president of Geoservices for Europe and Africa. ND holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, a Master of Science degree in Oil and Gas Management from Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos. He serves on the boards of SLB OneSubsea and the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce and is actively engaged in various educational and community service initiatives.

In September 2023, Mike SANGSTER became the Senior Vice President Africa and a member of the Management Committee of Exploration & Production, Africa. He was appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria (now TotalEnergies) and Representative of TotalEnergies Group in Nigeria effective July 1, 2019 and the OPTS Chairman September 2020– September 2021. A member of the Board of Directors of Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2021 – 2023. In his career at TOTALENERGIES, Mr. SANGSTER has served in various capacity with extensive experience in business and management. Before his appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of TotalEnergies Companies in Nigeria, he was the Senior Vice President, Investor Relations of Total; Managing Director of Total E&P Australia; President & General Manager of Total E&P Thailand; Vice President Economics, Strategy and Planning for Total Exploration & Production; Vice President Business Development & Strategy for Total E&P USA, and Senior International Negotiator. Prior to joining TotalEnergies, Mike qualified as an Electrical Engineer at the University of Aberdeen and was Corporate Development Manager at Scottish Power.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

STANDARD BANK NAMIBIA

Erwin Tjipuka is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and transformational leader with extensive experience in the professional and financial services industries. Currently serving as the Chief Executive of Standard Bank Namibia, he is committed to driving strategic growth and talent development.

Tjipuka holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Namibia, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town, and an MBA from the Maastricht School of Management. He has further honed his leadership expertise through advanced programs at GIBS, Deloitte, Harvard Business School Online, and UCT Graduate School of Business.

With a career spanning senior leadership roles, including Group Chief Financial Officer of FirstRand Namibia Ltd, Country Managing Partner at Deloitte Namibia, and later Franchise CEO at First National Bank Namibia, Tjipuka brings a wealth of experience in financial strategy, governance, and digital transformation.

His visionary leadership continues to shape the banking industry in Namibia. Erwin is a transformational leader in the financial services sector, known for driving strategic growth, digital innovation, and talent development across Namibia’s banking industry.

Head of Upstream

Galp

Graduated in Electrical Engineering at Universidade Federal Fluminense in 1986. Joined the O&G sector in 1988, first at Halliburton and then moved to Schlumberger where he held various positions in Brazil and abroad, starting as field engineer to leadership positions. In 2013, moved to GE Oil & Gas as Brazil Director. In early 2017, joined bp as Senior Vice President for Brazil and later for the Angola Region. In Jan 2023, joined Galp as Head of Upstream based in Lisbon.

Mr Bose has more than 28 years of relevant experience. He is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. Additionally, Mr. Bose is the Managing Member of Charlestown Energy Partners, a private investment vehicle associated with a New York-based family office that has been making investments globally in the upstream business since 2016. Robert is also a non-executive director of New Zealand Energy, Corp., a company providing gas, gas storage and liquids solutions to support the domestic energy economy in New Zealand, and is also on the Board of Managers of Black Bayou Energy Hub, a private company developing a gas storage platform on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Prior to joining Charlestown Energy Partners, Robert spent 17 years in the Investment Banking Group at Scotiabank, latterly as Managing Director and Industry Head, Global Power & Utilities. Mr Bose holds a BA (Honours) in Economics from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario.

Vice President of Pursuits Namibia, Mozambique & South Africa

Subsea 7

At the start of 2025 Steve joined Subsea 7 as Vice President of Pursuits Namibia, Mozambique & South Africa. Prior to this Steve served as Vice President of Sales & Commercial at Onesubsea & Deputy CEO of the Subsea Integration Alliance (SIA)

He has almost 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, primarily in subsea Project Execution, Sales, Operations and Executive level Management.

He started his career at Cameron Iron Works Ltd, Leeds, UK in 1988, as 16- yr old Technical Apprentice, since then, he has held a number of roles with Cameron, OneSubsea, Schlumberger and now Subsea 7.

Steve has worked in all the major oil and gas regions globally, including UK, Houston, Perth, Australia and Asia. He has held various positions including, Project Manager, Project Director, Regional Manager Africa, Director of Operations and General Manager and Vice President.

President & Chief Executive Officer

ReconAfrica

Brian Reinsborough is a visionary energy executive with 35 years of exploration and production experience. An industry pioneer, Brian has a distinguished track record of discovering over 2.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including some of the largest discoveries in the history of the Gulf of Mexico, such as Appomattox, Anchor, and Shenandoah.

Throughout his career at Mobil Oil, Nexen, Warburg Pincus, and Venari Resources, Brian has successfully drilled 36 deepwater wells with a 50% success rate. A specialist in scaling exploration-based businesses, he has previously raised over $2.4 billion in private equity financing. Brian holds a Master’s in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. He was named the 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Energy and currently serves on the Advisory Board for the UT Jackson School of Geosciences.

VICE PRESIDENT, SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

BAKER HUGHES

Hatem Salem is an energy industry leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the global oil & gas sector. He currently serves as Vice President, Sub-Saharan Africa at Baker Hughes, where he oversees Oilfield Services & Equipment business across the continent. Hatem began his career as a drilling fluids engineer with Baker Hughes in Egypt in 1996. Since then, he has held regional and global leadership roles in operations, sales, marketing, technology and business integration. Prior to leading the Sub-Saharan Africa geozone, Hatem served as the Global On-Demand Solutions leader at Baker Hughes where he focused on managing global partnerships and nurturing local businesses. Throughout his career, Hatem has worked in the United Arab Emirate, Egypt, Chad, Libya, Italy, Greece, Albania, United States, Kuwait, Asia Pacific, and Saudi Arabia, and is currently based in Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a degree in chemistry from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt and as well as certificates from many executive leadership education programs.

FOUNDER

NAMIBIA ENERGY CORPORATION (NEC)

Christophe Dieumegard is Senior Vice President Subsea Commercial at TechnipFMC, based in Houston. In this role, he oversees global sales and business development for TechnipFMC’s subsea activities. Since joining TechnipFMC in 1995, Christophe has held various positions in engineering, project management, sales, and executive leadership. His extensive career in the subsea sector includes assignments in France, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the USA. Christophe holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from ENSAM, France.

Irena Agalliu is Global Head of Energy and Climate Policy Consulting with S&P Global Energy. She has over 25 years consulting experience in energy and climate policy, development of regulatory frameworks, regulatory risk assessment, environmental and safety legislation and petroleum law and economics. She has led a multitude of projects helping governments develop legislation and establish governance frameworks that enable the sustainable development of natural resources.  She has also worked with oil industry investors to analyze the impact of proposed legislation on investments and project economics.

In recent year she has been involved supporting the Government of Guyana in developing comprehensive legal and regulatory frameworks for the petroleum sector that draw from international best practices and balance the interests of the state and investors whilst ensuring sustainable development of the oil and gas resources.

Irena is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN). She has a Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of Houston Law Center and an LL.M in Petroleum Law Policy and Economics from the University of Dundee, Scotland.

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ECO ATLANTIC OIL & GAS

Eduardo Rodriguez is the Country Chair for Shell Namibia and Chairperson of the Namibian Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA). With over 24 years at Shell, he has held senior leadership roles across Integrated Gas, Upstream, and Downstream businesses in Latin America, Central Africa, and the Caribbean. His current focus is on advancing Namibia’s energy sector through strategic collaboration between government, the broader oil and gas industry, and other key stakeholders. Eduardo holds a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from Georgetown University. He is a strong advocate for local content, social investment, and sustainable development.

LEGAL & CORPORATE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

AZULE ENERGY

Conrad is the CEO of the FirstRand Namibia Group, the largest and most comprehensive financial services group in Namibia. Previously he headed up RMB Namibia, the Corporate and Investment Banking business of the FirstRand Namibia Group. He serves on the board of various non – profit organisations and is actively working to enhance Namibia’s global competitiveness.  

His career spans across mining and natural resources, M&A and corporate finance across Australia, Africa, South America and Europe.  

He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Global Chartered Management Accountant, Associate Corporate Treasurer and holds a M.Phil. in Futures Studies. 

FOUNDER

NAMIBIA ENERGY CORPORATION (NEC)

Dominique has been working at Technip Energies since 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and gas monetization. For the past 18 years, he has played a key role in the development and positioning of Technip Energies in the fields of onshore LNG, FLNG and midscale LNG solutions. He leads the pre-sales commercial activities, monitors gas markets and technology trends, contributes to defining technological directions and strategic partnerships, and oversees R&D programs. His responsibilities were recently expanded to cover all Technip Energies business areas. He previously held several executive positions, including Vice President of the Upstream & LNG Business Unit, Technology Director of Technip France, and later Vice President for Early Engagement within the Gas and LowCarbon Energies Business Unit. Dominique has also held several senior management roles within the Process and Technologies teams. He contributed his technical expertise and played a key role in managing major projects such as Yemen LNG, Qatar Energies’ LNG projects, Petronas FLNG, Prelude FLNG and Yamal LNG, including long-term on-site assignments during construction and commissioning phases. A graduate in chemical engineering from the University of Technology of Compiègne, he has worked in several key regions of the energy sector: France, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Russia, and Australia.

Eduardo Rodriguez is the Country Chair for Shell Namibia and Chairperson of the Namibian Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA). With over 24 years at Shell, he has held senior leadership roles across Integrated Gas, Upstream, and Downstream businesses in Latin America, Central Africa, and the Caribbean. His current focus is on advancing Namibia’s energy sector through strategic collaboration between government, the broader oil and gas industry, and other key stakeholders. Eduardo holds a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from Georgetown University. He is a strong advocate for local content, social investment, and sustainable development.

 ECO ATLANTIC

Selma Usiku is an experienced exploration geoscientist who has worked in the Namibian Oil  and Gas industry’s for over 12 years. Before venturing into the offshore diamond industry in  October 2021, Selma served as a Senior Exploration Geologist at the renowned Brazilian Oil and  Gas Company HRT, Azinam and at Eco Atlantic, specializing in the offshore Atlantic Margin of  South West Africa.  

In addition to her role as a non- executive Director on the board of Eco Atlantic, an independent  oil and gas exploration company with strategic acreage interests in Namibia, South Africa and  Guyana, Selma also serves as the Vice Chairperson on the board of the Namibian Petroleum  Operators Association (NAMPOA) which acts as a key interface between the oil and gas  industry, the public, and the Namibian Government.  

Selma holds an MSc in Petroleum Geosciences from Royal Holloway University and a BSc in  Geology and Environmental Sciences from Rhodes University. Additionally, she is a proud  recipient of the Global Women Petroleum & Energy Club Award for Excellence in Africa,  honoring her outstanding contributions to the energy sector and her role as an inspiring figure  for young women aiming to make their mark in this dynamic field.  

Beyond her professional achievements, Selma also excels as a dynamic voice-over artist and  media personality.

Mtundeni Ndafyaalako has almost 15 years’ experience in multi-disciplinary oil & gas industry environment, including management and leadership roles in upstream NOC and regulatory settings. He is currently the Acting Managing Director of NAMCOR. His substantive role is Executive for Upstream Development & Production, providing oversight of NAMCOR’s active participation in the recent oil discoveries towards sustainable and ESG-conscious development to production, and is a strong advocate for local beneficiation. Mtundeni is responsible for NAMCOR’s international special upstream projects and has been the Director and Chairperson of Sungara Energies, a UK-based NAMCOR E&P subsidiary.

Mtundeni holds a master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences, Master of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor (Hons) Degree in Geological Engineering (specializing in petroleum exploration and production), an Executive Development programme Certificate and a Senior Management Development programme Certificate from the University of Stellenbosch.

Prior to joining NAMCOR, Mtundeni worked at Pioneer Oil & Gas as a consulting geologist, before moving to Ministry of Mines and Energy as a senior petroleum inspector responsible for regulation and compliance for both upstream and downstream industries, recognized for refining the downstream inspectorate workflows. Mtundeni then joined NAMCOR as a geoscientist, before taking up the role of New Ventures Manager, spearheading NAMCOR’s international interests.

AFRICA UPSTREAM REGIONAL RESEARCH DIRECTOR

S&P GLOBAL COMMODITY INSIGHTS

Nillian has been managing Namibia’s upstream oil and gas capacity building programme for the petroleum industry for over 20 years.

She joined the Petroleum Training and Education Fund in 2002, a period that has witnessed the Trust Fund train over 400 Namibians in various fields of interest to Namibia’s upstream petroleum industry, spearhead collaborations that have enabled national institutions of higher education to align programs with the sector and participated in sustaining awareness of the industry to the Namibian youth and general public at various platforms.

Under Nillian’s agile leadership, the PETROFUND has been instrumental in spearheading Namibia’s Upstream Local Content vision of maximising the benefits of petroleum resources through strategic multifaceted interventions that promote just-in-time capacity building through local workforce training & employment, training institutions collaboration, onboarding local suppliers, use of local goods and services throughout the entire value chain, sustained by industry-responsive financing solutions.

Nillian holds a master’s and undergraduate double degrees in Finance and Law obtained at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (MSc. Finance), University of Namibia (B.Juris) and Namibian University of Science and Technology, then Polytechnic of Namibia (Cost Accounting).

In 2018, she attended a Leadership Program offered by Harvard University in the United States of America.

Nillian also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) as well as a Commissioner on the Public Office Bearers Commission.

Nillian is the President of the AAPG Africa Region for the Period 2024 to 2026.

DEPUTY COUNTRY MANAGER & LOCAL CONTENT MANAGER

CHEVRON NAMIBIA

Ms. Mwanyengwa Ndapewoshali Shapwanale is the Deputy Country Manager and Local Content Manager for Chevron Namibia.

She is responsible for strategic initiatives to support the Country Manager, as-well-as local content regulatory compliance and implementation, for Chevron Namibia’s Exploration activities.

Prior to her current role, she was responsible for Chevron Namibia’s local content approach and supporting Supply Chain for local content compliance.

Ms. Shapwanale began her career in the oil and gas industry in 2019 with Reconnaissance Energy Africa, where she initially served as a multidisciplinary corporate affairs consultant. She progressed to the role of Director of Communication and Stakeholder Relations, and was later appointed Deputy Country Manager, a position she held until 2024.

Ms. Shapwanale’s academic background spans Law, Compliance Management, and Corporate Communication, providing a strong foundation for her leadership in regulatory affairs, governance, and stakeholder relationship management within the energy sector.

Shell Namibia

Nicolene Uaendere is the Country Deputy Manager and Finance Manager at Shell Namibia Upstream B.V., where she provides financial stewardship and strengthens governance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement across Namibia’s upstream oil and gas portfolio. She brings over 16 years of experience in the energy sector, having held senior finance and governance roles at Puma Energy, BP Namibia, HRT Africa, and Shell. Her expertise spans joint venture governance, taxation, permitting, information governance, and regulatory compliance. In her current role, Nicolene works closely with government institutions, joint venture partners, and service providers to support responsible exploration and effective local content delivery. Her remit includes oversight of vendor localisation plans, workforce development initiatives, and incountry value creation. She also serves as NAMPOA’s representative on the Petrofund Board of Trustees, contributing to governance oversight and policy discussions aimed at sustainable sector development and longterm national benefit.

Mariam started her professional career with Total in 2001 as Cost Controller in the Total Refining & Marketing (R&M) Division in Paris in 2004, she joins the Total France Retail direction. In 2007, she joins the R&M Asia-Pacific Division in Singapore, in charge of the development of the commercial and retail business in the region. In 2009, she was appointed corporate affairs and Financial Director of Total RM Vietnam.

 Mariam returns to France in 2012 to the position of Vice President Strategy Africa / Middle-East in the Marketing & Services (M&S) Division.

 In August 2016 Mariam joined the Upstream division in the North Sea as Total E&P UK Strategy & Business Director, in Aberdeen.

 In September 2019, Mariam was appointed MD & CEO of TotalEnergies South Africa, Country Chair for TotalEnergies in South Africa and M&S Executive Vice President for the Southern Africa region, based in South Africa.

 In September 2024, Mariam has been appointed Senior Vice-President Health, Safety & Environment Marketing & Services, in Paris.

 In November 2025, Mariam has been appointed MD TotalEnergies Exploration & Production Namibia and Country Chair for TotalEnergies in Namibia, in Windhoek.

 Mariam is a graduate from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP Business School).

ReconAfrica

Robert Mwanachilenga is a distinguished Petroleum Engineer specialising in drilling and production, with over 30 years of experience across the onshore and offshore energy sectors. His diverse expertise spans project management, mining, renewable energy, and cost engineering.

Throughout his career, Robert has held key roles at international and national organizations, including Petrobras (Brasoil), NAMCOR, Chariot Oil and Gas, and Maurel & Prom. His global footprint covers major energy hubs in West Africa, Brazil, the USA, Germany, and Southern Africa.

A committed contributor to the next generation of engineers, Robert is actively involved in academia at both the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology. He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of Namibia and holds memberships with the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Institute of Directors Southern Africa.

Namibia Country Manager

Subsea7

Having collaborated with major companies such as Total, Shell, Puma, Engen, and Sasol, Frans Kalenga has established himself as a preeminent figure in the Namibian energy sector. His diverse and impressive background in the petroleum industry is now further enriched by his role as Country Representative for SONANGOL Integrated Logistics Services (SONILS) in Namibia, where he leads the development of a new integrated logistics hub to support the country’s growing oil and gas industry.

Prior to this, Kalenga served as Acting Executive: Sales, Marketing & Business Development at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), where he was instrumental in shaping business strategy, driving sales of petroleum products, and expanding Namcor’s commercial reach, including bunkering and export markets. His tenure at Namcor also included his influential role as Head of Sustainable Energies, where he championed clean energy initiatives and positioned Namcor as a forward-looking player in energy transition.

Previously, Kalenga served as Technical Advisor on Green Hydrogen to Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. Tom Alweendo. In this capacity, he oversaw the drafting of Namibia’s green hydrogen and synthetic fuels policies, spearheaded the national strategy and roadmap for green hydrogen, and engaged with both government and private-sector stakeholders to enable investment and regulatory compliance. His work in this pioneering space has earned him recognition as a key contributor to Namibia’s vision for a sustainable and diversified energy future.

Deeply familiar with the Namibian legislative and regulatory framework, Kalenga brings extensive expertise in clean energy technology development, energy productivity, grid integration, and energy market reform. His strong project management capabilities, combined with his collaborative leadership style, have allowed him to consistently deliver strategic value in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

With extensive training in the petroleum industry, Kalenga navigates the complexities of the energy sector with confidence. A true global citizen, he is fluent in English, Russian, Portuguese, and his native language, Rukwangali—skills that enable him to work effectively across cultures and international contexts in an increasingly interconnected industry.

His commitment to advancing the energy sector is also reflected in his mentorship and advocacy for emerging professionals. Kalenga is an active member of professional bodies such as the Engineering Council of Namibia, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and Future Energy Leaders. His pursuit of lifelong learning keeps him at the cutting edge of innovation in energy systems, sustainability, and business development.

Outside of his professional endeavours, Kalenga enjoys sports and choral music, which reflect his balanced approach to life and his passion for community. With his extensive experience, strategic insight, and forward-thinking mindset, Frans Kalenga continues to shape the future of Namibia’s energy landscape and remains a visionary force in the global movement toward sustainable energy.

RESEARCH DIRECTOR, UPSTREAM RESEARCH

WOOD MACKENZIE

Ian is responsible for Wood Mackenzie’s Sub-Saharan Africa upstream analysis and is regional head of upstream analysis for Europe, Russia, Caspian and Africa. As a leading content expert, Ian regularly authors and contributes to global upstream reports and analysis including upstream investment trends, discovered resource opportunities, major capital projects, deepwater trends and valuation analysis. Since joining Wood Mackenzie in 2005, Ian has been involved in analysing the oil and gas industries of Sub-Saharan Arica, Middle East, UK, Russia and Caspian regions. This includes building financial models, writing reports and presenting to Wood Mackenzie customers. 

Focus areas include data analytics, financial and data modelling and valuation. He is an experienced trainer for data visualisation, reserves/resources classifications and upstream 101 topics, and is a keen Power Query, SharePoint and lean six sigma proponent. 

He holds a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of St Andrews and an MSci in Applied Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde. In 2019 he passed the CFA level 1 exam.

PRINCIPAL ANALYST

WOOD MACKENZIE

Vincenza specialises in upstream oil and gas research across Sub-Saharan Africa. Since joining Wood Mackenzie in 2024, she has focused on in-depth analysis of regional upstream activity, authoring strategic insights on projects development, asset valuation, deepwater trends, and exploration strategy and focus. Her work spans West, East and Southern Africa, providing clients with asset and country level intelligence to navigate complex market dynamics. 

Before joining Wood Mackenzie, Vincenza worked at Eni for 14 years, where she held a range of technical and managerial roles in exploration. During this time, she developed deep expertise in subsurface analysis and modelling. Her international assignments included Angola and Egypt. 

Vincenza holds an MSc in Geology and an MBA from the University of Warwick. She is currently based in Milan.

DIRECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

ALTERA INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTION

Stig Bøtker, a seasoned professional with over 35 years in the offshore & marine industry, serves as the Director for Business Development at Altera Infrastructure Production. Before joining in 2019, he held key roles, including Global Director of Sales and Business Development at Wartsila, Sales and Marketing Manager for an FPSO lease company, and various positions at Aker Kvaerner, such as VP Front End Services, VP Business Development, and Country Manager for Brazil. Mr. Bøtker earned his M.Sc. Degree in Structural Engineering from Aalborg University Center in Denmark.

Nosizwe is an accomplished Business Leader with success in leading substantial operations and projects. She has an in-depth understanding of the global energy industry. She applies clear direction, strong technical and commercial acumen to drive innovative solutions. 

Her more than two decades experience and expertise in the petroleum and energy industry spans across several countries in Africa in leadership portfolios across the petroleum value chain: upstream, midstream and downstream in major IOCs and State-Owned companies.

She currently serves on the Advisory Board of the African Energy Chamber as a member of the Investment Committee, the Natural Gas Committee, and the Local Content Committee. 

Nosizwe was engaged with the United Nations Commission for Trade and Development on a pivotal project for natural resource management on the African continent.

She was invited by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to participate in the Expert Group Meeting on Petrochemical Clusters for IGAD member states.and as a resource expert invited by the African Minerals Development Centre.

Nelson Narciso is a professional with more than 40 years of experience in the energy sector, where he has accumulated deep knowledge in the oil and gas industry, especially in the areas of engineering, manufacturing and installation of subsea drilling and production equipment and services in the Exploration and Production segment. Throughout his career as a private- sector executive, he held prominent positions at operators and services companies such as Halliburton, ABB, Vetco Gray, HRT Africa and Hughes WKM, covering operations in Brazil, Namibia and Angola.

In the public sphere, he served as a Director of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) in Brazil from 2006 to 2010. During his tenure, Mr. Narciso headed the creation of the Local Content Coordination, participated in the redefinition of the format of the Bidding Rounds formats, in the programs to reduce gas flaring and to improve the fiscal measurement of production.

Currently he is the President of NNF Energy, a consulting firm specialized in regulatory affairs, and the integration of projects in the energy sector, with a strong presence in the African continent. In addition to his consulting work, Nelson Narciso has held several advisory positions at distinguished public and private entities. He was a Councilor for the Brazilian Economic and Social Development Council (CDES), a consultative policy forum that directly advised the President of the Republic on policy issues, and he is currently a Senior Non- Resident Fellow at the Institute of the Americas.

Nelson Narciso also has relevant activity in industry conferences as panelist and moderator at major conferences such as the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC Houston and Rio de Janeiro), Rio Oil and Gas, and La Jolla Energy Summit of the Institute of the Americas. Nelson Narciso holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a specialization in Economic Engineering and Business Administration.

Brice Lacrampette is Country Manager Namibia, based in Windhoek. In this role, he oversees TechnipFMC’s growth in Namibia. Since joining TechnipFMC in 2006, Brice has held various positions in engineering, product development, and sales. Brice holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical & Hydrodynamics Engineering, from Centrale Méditerranée, France.

Fernando Sylvester serves as the Managing Director at Nautilus Mining and Energy (Pty) Ltd and as Principal Consultant for Pioneer Oil and Gas. He is an Exploration Geoscientist with more than 14 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector. Previously, he worked at Tullow Oil for a decade, a prominent independent oil and gas explorer in Africa, where he was based in both South Africa and Ireland. His expertise covers various offshore basins in Southwestern Africa and the conjugate South American margin, focusing on exploration activities in Angola, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Namibia, South Africa, and Suriname.

One of his notable projects involved updating the Namibian offshore prospect portfolio for the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Namibia (MME). Currently, he is currently engaged in a similar project offshore Angola for the Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis (ANPG).

Fernando holds an Honors degree in Applied Geophysics and Petroleum Geology from the University of Cape Town, along with an MBA from the Management College of South Africa. 

Apart from his technical skills, he actively contributes to the company’s success in various capacities. He has been involved in Employment Equity Committees in South Africa, the South African Geophysical Association (SAGA), and has also served as an advisor to the Board of Directors for NAMCOR in Namibia, demonstrating his dedication to corporate citizenship.

Nawala is a Partner at Engling, Stritter & Partners, one of the foremost commercial law firms in Namibia, and has experience in corporate and commercial law, including project development and projecting financing, intellectual property law, as well as competition and antitrust law. She regularly advises both lenders, international, multinational and local companies on a wide range of transactions, including domestic and cross-border projects that include renewable energy and oil and gas transactions as well as schemes of arrangements.

Nawala is passionate about access to law, economic empowerment and an equitable distribution of the wealth not just in Namibia but across the African continent as a whole. To contribute towards these goals, she an active member of the Law Society of Namibia and its supporting standing committees and a personal commitment to providing regular pro bono services. Nawala holds an LLB Degree from the University of South Africa.

Benoit Foubert is the Vice President Digital for Europe and Africa at SLB, where he leads the region’s digital strategy across a diverse portfolio of energy basins, with a strong focus on Africa’s rapidly evolving upstream and integrated energy landscape. He works closely with operators, national oil companies, and industry partners to accelerate digital adoption, scale innovation, and deliver measurable value across complex operating environments. Benoit brings more than two decades of global experience in operations, technology development, and digital product management, Benoit has held leadership roles in Saudi Arabia, China, Europe, and the United States. He began his career with SLB in 2000 as an electrical engineer in Sugar Land, Texas, working on downhole wireline technology an operational foundation that continues to shape his pragmatic, performance‑driven approach to digital transformation. Benoit holds a Master’s degree in electrical engineering from CentraleSupélec and a Master’s degree in Management of the Oil & Gas Industry from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University.

Mr. Kahimise has a 20-year leadership experience in the Electricity Supply Industry. His leadership acumen and technical qualities as a seasoned executive were demonstrated at ErongoRED, where he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from July 2013 until January 2017 and thereafter as CEO of the City of Windhoek from February 2017 until October 2020. He was appointed CEO of Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (CENORED) from November 2020 until 31 March 2023, and was appointed ECB CEO effective 1 April 2023.

He has served on numerous boards, including the Namibia Energy Institute (NEI).

He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) specializing in finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School in South Africa and is a certified regulation specialist by the University of Loughborough, United Kingdom.

His key focus at ECB is to transition ECB into an energy regulator, in line with similar regulatory authorities in the SADC region. Another key focus area is the development of regulatory tools that are responsive to disruptive technologies, while at the same time finding ways to leverage on disruptive technologies to find solutions to security of supply-related challenges.

Mr Kahimise is taking over at a time of extreme market evolution and dynamism of the Electricity Supply Industry, which warrants incentive-based regulation, to encourage good performance and ensure the financial sustainability of licensed entities.

Nuclear Engineer

EDF

Dame Seye is a nuclear engineer and energy professional with extensive experience in the nuclear power sector, currently working with EDF. He is the Founder and President of the African Association of Professionals in Nuclear (AAPN), a non-profit Pan-African organization with the aim of promoting the development of nuclear energy and its peaceful use across the African continent.

With a strong focus on nuclear infrastructure development, safety culture, and human capacity building, Dame actively supports African countries in their journey toward the peaceful and sustainable use of nuclear energy. His work emphasizes youth empowerment, skills development, and international cooperation in alignment with IAEA frameworks.

Dame has contributed to numerous high-level discussions on nuclear energy, including SMRs, regulatory readiness, and Africa’s role in the global nuclear renaissance. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a strong advocate for responsible nuclear energy as a driver for Africa’s industrialization and energy security

Global Moderator and Facilitator

Gugulethu Mfuphi is a dynamic financial journalist, conversation strategist, and global moderator with extensive experience in media, business, and economics. Known for her ability to navigate complex financial topics and facilitate impactful discussions, Gugulethu is a trusted voice in global economic conversations with C-suite executives, heads of state, policymakers and entrepreneurs. Her expertise and engaging approach have earned her recognition across multiple platforms, making her a trailblazer in broadcasting and public speaking.

Gugulethu is a well-versed orator with experience in front of the camera, behind the microphone, and addressing an audience. This experience forms the basis of her tasks and responsibilities as host of KayaBiz – Kaya 959’s prime-time business show, KayaBiz.

Gugulethu Mfuphi also serves as a Conference Chair, Panel Discussion Moderator, and Programme Director at various industry gatherings that affect the business and investment landscape.

Managing Director

Manica Group Namibia

Ralph Ruiters is an experienced leader with over 20 years in logistics and the maritime industry. As the Managing Director of Manica Group Namibia since 2022, he has helped expand the business and reinforce its position in the industry.

He started his career at PwC and later worked in senior operational roles in Angola and executive positions within the Bidvest network. In 2024, he was named the overall Bidvest Group Achiever of the Year. Ralph also served on the Walvis Bay Corridor Group board and he was Chairman of the Walvis Bay Port Users Association and is a key figure in Namibia’s logistics sector. He is committed to building strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to improve port operations. He holds an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch and is known for his people-first leadership style.

Strategic Communications Practitioner and Thought Leader

NAMWATER

Lot Ndamanomhata is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 12 years of experience shaping corporate brand strategy, broadcasting, corporate communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement across Namibia’s development and public sectors. As Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at NamWater, he oversees strategic communication initiatives, media relations, marketing, and stakeholder engagement programs that elevate institutional reputation, strengthen public confidence, and support national development priorities.

Prior to this role, he served as Manager: Corporate Communications and IT at the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional visibility through innovative communication strategies. Lot’s professional foundation includes an extensive broadcasting career with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, where he contributed to current affairs programmes such as Business Today, Good Morning Namibia, Talk of the Nation, Situation Kritikal, and 1 on 1.

Lot’s career spans a robust broadcasting foundation of more than 16 years with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, where he presentes high-profile current affairs programmes including Business Today, Good Morning Namibia, Talk of the Nation, and 1 on 1. Prior to this role, he served as Manager: Corporate Communications and IT at the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional visibility through innovative communication strategies. 

He has also served as Station Manager and Coordinator of UNAM Radio, Executive Member for Media Liaison and Publicity at Athletics Namibia demonstrating expertise in strategic messaging, brand enhancement, and public engagement.

 A committed educator, Lot has taught Digital Communication as a part-time lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) since 2004, mentoring the next generation of media and communication professionals.

Lot brings valuable governance nad oversight experience, having served on the Board of the National Youth Council of Namibia, where he chaired the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and contributed to the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee.

Academically, he holds an Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Journalism and Communication from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Public Management Honours from the University of Namibia. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Journalism and Media Technology and has completed executive training programmes with Stellenbosch University, including the Senior Management Development Programme. He also holds a Certificate of Competence from the University of the Western Cape in The Political Economy of Land Governance in Africa.

With a strong command of strategic communication, governance, and reputation management, Lot is passionate about shaping impactful narratives that advance public understanding of Namibia’s development agenda. His work reflects global best practices in public affairs and positions him as a trusted leader at the intersection of communication, stakeholder relations, and policy advocacy.

He is a cerified Chartered Public Relations Practitioner under the Public Relations Institute Of Southern Africa (PRISA)

EXECUTIVE: PORT OPERATIONS

NAMIBIAN PORTS AUTHORITY (NAMPORT)

Mr. Richard Mutonga Ibwima serves as Executive: Port Operations at the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), he oversees and holds executive responsibility for port operations at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, Namibia’s two strategic gateways for commerce and offshore energy logistics. He leads marine services, cargo handling, terminal operations, and essential port infrastructure that underpin Namibia’s expanding participation in regional and international supply chains.

With extensive experience in port operations, asset management, and capital project delivery, Mr. Ibwima plays a key role in preparing Namibian ports to support the rapidly expanding oil, gas, and energy sectors, particularly developments in the Orange Basin. His work includes enabling port readiness for offshore exploration support, project cargo, supply-base logistics, and specialized marine services required by the energy industry.

He is a staunch proponent of smart port solutions, operational excellence, and infrastructure modernization to guarantee that ports continue to serve as reliable enablers of energy investment. Mr. Ibwima offers a pragmatic, industry-informed perspective on how port infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and regulatory alignment collectively facilitate the success of energy projects and promote national economic development.

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

PETROFUND NAMIBIA

DIRECTOR

NRO OFFSHORE CONSULTING (PTY) LTD

Chief Executive Officer

BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF NAMIBIA

Dantagos Jimmy is a Namibian financial sector leader with over two decades of experience in investment management, financial markets, banking policy, and corporate governance. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Bankers Association of Namibia, representing Namibia’s commercial banks and supporting the development of a stable, inclusive, and innovative financial system. Prior to this role, she held senior technical and leadership positions at the Bank of Namibia, where she contributed to investments, domestic market operations, and financial market development. Her private-sector experience includes roles at IJG Securities and AlexForbes Investments, strengthening her expertise in asset management and capital markets. She is also the Founder of Ndapunikwa Investments and serves on various boards, combining strategic advisory experience with a strong commitment to Namibia’s economic and institutional development.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

A Senior Associate, specialising in oil and gas law, energy regulation, and cross-border transactions. She holds an LLM in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of Namibia.

Rachel has extensive experience advising on upstream and downstream petroleum matters, regulatory compliance, project development, and energy sector reforms. She previously served as Legal Advisor: Downstream at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), where she was involved in strategic trading and commercial negotiations.

Admitted as a Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Namibia, Rachel is actively engaged in shaping Namibia’s evolving energy landscape, with a particular focus on local content, investment frameworks, and sustainable sector growth.

Chief Executive Officer

COPIA GROUP OF COMPANIES S.A

Mr. Adilson Nelumba, born on March 6, 1983, in Luanda, is a Civil Engineer graduated from the University of Science and Technology of Namibia, with a specialization in Master Planning. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Copia Group of Companies, S.A.

With more than 11 years of experience in the sector, Mr. Nelumba has built a solid career in major strategic projects, standing out for his technical contribution and leadership in initiatives of national scope. Between 2006 and 2016, he was part of Sonangol E.P. as an Exploration Technician in the Geophysics Department, having participated in projects such as the 2D Seismic Acquisition of the Onshore Kwanza Basin. He also led the right-of-way opening projects for the Transmission Lines between Laúca, Catete and Bita, as well as the demining project along those same routes.
He is also the Lead of the Fiscal Consortium for the Caculo Cabaça Hydroelectric Development, one of the largest ongoing energy ventures in the country. His areas of expertise include project management, strategic planning in civil engineering, and human capital management.

EVP CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT

SUBSURFACE CONSULTANTS & ASSOCIATES

BROADCAST JOURNALIST

NBC

John Ikondja is a distinguished Namibian news anchor at NBC, presenting programs such as Good Morning Namibia, Namibia Connect, and various prime-time news bulletins, in addition to producing the national talk show Talk of the Nation. He has extensive experience as a presenter at high-profile national events, including at State House, Parliament, and other major public gatherings.

A highly sought-after Master of Ceremonies and moderator, John has led discussions at premier forums and summits across sectors such as ICT, Oil & Gas, Green Hydrogen, and institutional investment. Through his work, he brings clarity, insight, and professionalism to complex national and industry conversations, while using his platform to inspire youth and communities across Namibia.

John is the founder of Juvenile Global Media Solutions and the Twahepa Foundation, reflecting his commitment to media excellence, innovation, and societal impact. Dedicated to empowering the next generation, he continues to leverage media and public engagement to inform, educate, and motivate communities toward meaningful change.

Managing Partner

Greenwood Supply Services Namibia and Beyond Concierge

EXECUTIVE: BANKING & FINANCE

ENS

Twapewa Mwashindange is an Executive in the Banking and Finance practice at ENS. She advises financial institutions, corporates, borrowers and sponsors on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex finance transactions across a range of sectors, including energy and mining. Her experience includes debt, equity, and project finance matters, as well as domestic and cross-border bilateral and syndicated facilities. In addition, Twapewa regularly advises on the establishment and structuring of security and corporate arrangements in connection with these transactions, as well as on related financial regulatory matters.

Twapewa obtained her B Juris and LLB (Honours) degrees from the University of Namibia and an LL.M in Banking and Finance Law from Queen Mary, University of London. She is admitted as a legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia and, having worked across a number of jurisdictions including Namibia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, she brings a broad perspective to cross-border transactions and a multidisciplinary approach to addressing legal and regulatory issues arising in complex finance transactions.

She is recognised as a Notable Practitioner in Banking and Finance (Namibia) by the IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate Guide from 2021 to 2025.

GENERAL MANAGER

BW KUDU

Manfriedt Muundjua is the general manager of BW Kudu. BW Kudu is the operator of the Kudu gas field, in partnership with NAMCOR. The Kudu gas field will be developed to produce electricity for the local and sub-regional market. A primary aim is to ensure Namibia’s electricity security and self-sufficiency.

He has more than 16 years of work experience in the Oil & Gas Industry, including overseeing all Kudu field transactions at his previous job. Till recently, he was responsible for developing an international E&P business for NAMCOR (the national oil company of Namibia). 

Manfriedt holds a M.Sc. from the University of the Witwatersrand and several executive management and leadership programs from the University of Stellenbosch (Business School).

Roderick Bruce leads Africa-focused analysis for the E&P Terms and Above-Ground Risk team at S&P Global Energy CERA. He specializes in forecasting and benchmarking above-ground risks in sub-Saharan Africa’s upstream oil & gas sector.

Roderick’s recent work has focused on analyzing the shifting political, regulatory, and operational environments of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Senegal, among others. He provides insight into emerging E&P industry trends to government and private sector clients through regular research briefings and political/economic risk assessments. Roderick has 20 years of experience in the energy sector as a consultant, research analyst, and business journalist. In that time, he has gained in-depth understanding of key issues affecting the oil and gas, LNG, gas-to-power, and refining sectors across various geographies.

 Roderick holds a Master of Arts from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Shiwana serves as Executive: Business Strategy at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia, where he contributes to shaping the corporation’s strategic direction during a defining period for Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry. His work focuses on aligning corporate strategy with national energy priorities, and positioning the corporation within a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

During a period of institutional volatility, he was appointed Interim Managing Director of NAMCOR, where he led efforts to stabilize the organization, restore stakeholder confidence, and spearheaded the development of a corporate turnaround strategy aimed at strengthening governance, commercial discipline, and operational sustainability. He has led complex transactions, including efforts entailing the acquisition of oil and gas assets in international jurisdictions, often “holding the frying pan” in high-stakes negotiations.

Shiwana currently serves as a board member of the Namibia Ports Authority, contributing to Namibia’s broader infrastructure and trade corridor strategy as the country positions itself to support a growing offshore energy industry.

He has served on several boards, including Telecom Namibia, Meat Corporation of Namibia, and the Council of the Namibia University of Science and Technology. He was recently appointed as a member of the SWAPO Party Think Tank, a body established to contribute policy perspectives and strategic insight on national development issues.

Shiwana holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Namibia, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University. He has also completed certifications in Knowledge Management (University of South Africa) and Oil and Gas (Premier Centre, London), and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Oil and Gas Strategy at the University of Dundee.

Outside of his professional commitments, Shiwana enjoys spending time with his family, often around a relaxed evening barbecue.

Based in Cape Town, Robert is fluent in Afrikaans and English.

With over 34 years of business experience, my journey began as a self-employed 18-year-old Namibian woman, driven by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to step into new opportunities. Over time, I built and operated businesses across diverse sectors, shaping my leadership approach and strengthening my ability to navigate complex and emerging industries. This experience led me to Namibia’s emerging energy sector, where I founded Nani, a second-tier service company supporting the oil and gas industry, specialising in oilfield chemicals. The sector demands a strong focus on reputation, rigorous health and safety standards, and the consistent delivery of high-quality services and products. My focus remains on building sustainable capability, scaling opportunities, and contributing to Namibia’s growing energy landscape through strong standards, trusted partnerships, and long-term growth

Mr. Jackson Nangolo is a Senior Investment Analyst (Energy), Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)

Jackson is a seasoned strategic engineering and finance professional with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry across the SADC region. He has played a key role in advancing strategy, policy, project development, and investment facilitation for the oil and gas sector in Southern Africa. His expertise spans conventional energy projects, with a growing focus on the Oil & Gas economy and broader energy transition initiatives. Jackson brings a strong track record in supporting strategic energy investments, business restructuring, fundraising, and high-level stakeholder management. He is a member of the Institute of Business Advisory Southern Africa (IBASA).

Elsie Kambala is SLB’s Country Manager for Namibia, a role she assumed in 2025. In this capacity, Elsie leads SLB’s operations and strategic initiatives in Namibia, focusing on advancing the country’s energy ambitions through innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. Her leadership is pivotal as Namibia prepares for its first oil and works to establish a resilient, digitally enabled, and globally competitive energy ecosystem. Elsie joined SLB with extensive experience in financial services and operational leadership. Before her current role, she served as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Unit trust at Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia Ltd , where she excelled in governance, risk management, and innovation. She also held strategic positions at the Bank of Namibia, further strengthening her expertise in financial and operational management.  Elsie holds a Master of Science Degree in Investment Analysis with distinction from the University of Stirling and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Oil and Gas with Energy Management. She is also conducting Doctoral research focused on policy frameworks for Namibia’s sustainable oil and gas development, reflecting her commitment to shaping the future of the country’s energy sector. She’s currently serving as a Director on the Board for the Contractors Oil and Gas Association of Namibia (COGANAM), strengthening industry standards, local content development, and sector collaboration to advance Namibia’s emerging energy landscape. Her leadership signature is “Elevating others through knowledge and trust.”

Ismini Katsimpardi is the Africa Regional Lead for Upstream Asset Valuation at S&P Global Energy CERA. A specialist in upstream asset valuation, she brings deep experience across oil and gas operations, asset management, and strategic planning gained from her work within an international Oil & Gas operator. In her current role, Ismini leads a multidisciplinary team of petroleum engineers, geologists, and economists responsible for delivering asset‑level production, cost, and economic analysis for oil and gas developments across Africa, with a particular focus on Angola, Namibia, and Egypt. Her expertise spans asset valuation, cost modelling, fiscal system analysis, and evaluating the impact of regulatory changes on regional production. She is also adept at integrating technical and economic risks and uncertainties into long‑term asset outlooks. Ismini has a strong interest in the evolving global energy landscape, with a particular focus on how exploration and production companies must transform to support a more sustainable energy future. She holds MSc degrees in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot‑Watt University in Edinburgh, UK, and Mining Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece.

Jennifer Jumbe is an experienced Energy Specialist currently working at S&P Global Commodity Insights. With over 14 years of professional experience, Jennifer has dedicated her career to working with National Oil Companies, Banks, and International Oil Companies across Africa.

Jennifer’s expertise lies in the upstream oil and gas industry as well as the power and renewables sector. She has worked on numerous projects and initiatives aimed at the development and growth of these sectors in various African countries. As a specialist she has plays a crucial role in advising and assisting S&P Global Commodity  Insights clients in making informed decisions regarding investments, operations, and regulations in the energy sector

Louise Hangero is a Petroleum Inspector and Local Content Lead at the Office of the President (Upstream Petroleum Unit) in Namibia, with over a decade of experience in petroleum governance, regulatory compliance, and local content development. She plays a key role in shaping and implementing Namibia’s upstream local content framework, supporting the country’s transition from exploration to development.

Louise is currently a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate at Glasgow Caledonian University, where her research explores how Local Content Development and Corporate Social Responsibility frameworks interact to influence in-country value creation in the extractive sector. Her work bridges policy, research, and practice, with a strong interest in ensuring that resource wealth translates into inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Paul is responsible for Standard Bank’s oil and gas sector coverage activities for Southern Africa (11 countries), across upstream, midstream, downstream, services and process industry clients. He has 20 years of energy corporate and investment banking experience, covering the oil and gas, power and utilities and renewables and carbon sub-sectors. Paul has been based in Africa for 10 years and has extensive experience of the SA/Southern African energy environment, as adviser, banker and financier. Prior to joining Standard Bank in 2009, Paul worked for HSBC for more than 10 years and gained extensive experience of transactions across EMEA and select global markets in Asia/Australasia. Paul holds degrees from Birmingham University, London University and a MBA from Henley Management College. He is a Fellow of the Securities & Investment Institute, a member of the Energy Institute and has completed Harvard Business School’s Global Energy Seminar.

Mr. Shituula leads strategic engagements within Standard Bank Namibia’s Corporate and Investment Banking division, driving financing and advisory solutions that enable local participation, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth across Namibia’s oil and gas value chain.

With a strong foundation in investment and financial management, he brings a distinctive ability to bridge energy development with economic transformation. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Energy Economics and Finance at the University of Aberdeen.

He holds degrees in Investment Management and Financial Management from Stellenbosch University and University of South Africa, respectively. His executive education includes certifications from the Graduate School of Business – University of Cape Town and the Gordon Institute of Business Science. He also holds the ACI Dealing Certificate.

Nelson Lucas is the Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Namibia. He joined the bank in September 2019 as Head of Client Coverage within the CIB unit, where he provided strategic leadership to the client coverage team, before assuming his current executive role in September 2020. In this capacity, Nelson leads the bank’s corporate and investment banking strategy, focusing on delivering innovative financial solutions to clients across sectors.

Nelson is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). He holds multiple academic and professional qualifications from the University of South Africa, including degrees in Accounting Science and Financial Management, with specialisation in corporate finance, investment banking, financial risk management, and valuation, as well as certifications in VAT and investment analysis. He has also completed the Global Executive Leadership Programme at London Business School.

With nearly 14 years of experience at PwC in Namibia and the United States, Nelson brings deep expertise in auditing, tax consulting (including VAT and transfer pricing), financial analysis, valuations, and complex transactions, particularly within the financial services sector. He is passionate about people development, creating meaningful impact, and advancing investments in equity and debt capital markets.

Hélder Silva – is the Government Affairs and External Relations Director at Azule Energy. He joined bp in 2007 and has over 27 years of experience in the oil & gas industry, primarily focused on government relations, regulatory engagement and stakeholder management. He previously served as bp Angola’s interim Senior Vice President and, prior to that, as Vice President Angola with responsibility for the OBO assets (Blocks 15, 17, ALNG and NGC) and the relationship with the Concessionaire. Following the creation of Azule Energy, Hélder assumed leadership of External Relations and Government Affairs, where he plays a key role in strengthening the company’s institutional engagement and strategic partnerships. In his spare time, Hélder enjoys walking and playing golf.

Adalberto Fernandes- is a Government Affairs and External Relations professional with over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. At Azule Energy, Angola’s largest independent oil producer, he leads the Government Affairs team, with responsibility for stakeholder engagement, political and regulatory intelligence, and non-technical risk management across Azule’s operations. He holds an MSc in Project Management (Oil and Gas) from the University of Liverpool and a Diploma in Public Relations jointly awarded by Cambridge Marketing College and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Outside of work, Adalberto is a martial arts instructor and spends his time coaching others – a pursuit that reflects the same discipline and commitment to development he brings to his professional life. He is passionate about energy transition, economic development, and responsible business practice.

Ndakolo Haiduwa is the Deputy Country Manager at Rhino Resources Ltd. He supports strategic leadership, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement across exploration and development activities. His role focuses on effective execution, regulatory coordination, and advancing Namibia’s energy objectives through collaborative partnerships.

Gilles Pantanacce is the Chief Operating Officer of Rhino Resources Ltd, overseeing exploration and project development activities across Africa, including offshore operations in Namibia’s Orange Basin. He has over 15 years of global energy industry experience, with prior senior roles at ExxonMobil and as a co‑founder of Astris Advisors.

Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa is an admitted Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Namibia and an experienced Legal Advisor currently employed at Standard Bank Namibia. She is also a National Consultant on Green Industrialisation and Green Growth with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), contributing to policy and legal frameworks that advance sustainable development. She previously served as Green Hydrogen Advisor at GIZ, where she supported the Namibian Government on regulatory, commercial, and policy matters in collaboration with international partners such as the World Bank and African Development Bank . Her earlier roles include Company Secretary and Legal Advisor at Powercom Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Telecom Namibia and also in-house Legal Counsel at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).

She holds a Master of Business Administration from Stellenbosch Business School, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Marine and Environmental Law from the University of Cape Town, and an LLB (Honours) from the University of Namibia. In addition to her professional work, she has lectured law at the University of Namibia and served in various leadership roles, including Board Member of IntraHealth Namibia, NCRST and Advisory Board Member on Energy and Climate Change for the African Union. Munolwisho is widely recognised for her expertise in energy law, corporate governance, and her contributions to advancing green industrialisation in Namibia and across Africa.

Maria Kativa Shihako is an Electrical Engineering graduate, Petrofund alumna, and the first female electrical engineer from her village in the Kavango East region. She is a Green Hydrogen Youth Ambassador, Future Energy Leader, and currently an Engineering Intern at TotalEnergies Marketing Namibia. Her undergraduate research was presented at the IEEE PowerAfrica Conference in Cairo and is forthcoming on IEEE Xplore. Her final-year project won the Overall Best Innovation Award at the 2025 UNAM Innovation Competition. Having grown up in a village without electricity, Maria is passionate about building local technical capacity in Namibia’s energy sector and ensuring that the country’s resources benefit its people.

Melissa holds an MSc in Zoology with a focus on marine ecology and fisheries, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Biodiversity and Ecology from the University of Stellenbosch. She has over 6 years of experience as a marine conservationist scientist, researcher and environmental consultant. She is a registered Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, having authored and co-authored several, peer reviewed scientific papers as well scientific and monitoring reports. Her recent project experience includes leading and supporting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for offshore oil and gas developments and seismic surveys across southern Africa, including projects in Namibia, South Africa, and Angola

Reinhard Winsauer is a Senior Transactor at RMB Namibia, where he focuses on structuring and executing complex financing solutions for corporates and investors. He works closely with a broad range of stakeholders to support strategic projects that contribute to economic growth and long‑term development.

His experience includes transaction structuring and navigating cross‑border investment considerations within the sub-Saharan Africa region. Reinhard is particularly interested in the role of capital in enabling sustainable and commercially viable development initiatives in Namibia.

Leonard Hamunyela is a Senior Transactor at RMB Namibia, specialising in structuring and executing complex financing solutions across the energy, infrastructure, corporate, and public sectors. He has led and executed several landmark, first-to-market transactions in Namibia.

He operates at the forefront of the country’s investment landscape, working closely with corporates, investors, and government to translate opportunity into bankable projects with meaningful, long-term impact. His experience spans project finance, structured lending, and capital strategy, with a strong focus on unlocking investment in energy and infrastructure. 

Leonard brings a practical, solutions-driven perspective on how innovative financing and strategic partnerships can unlock capital and accelerate sustainable growth in frontier markets like Namibia.

Having collaborated with major companies such as Total, Shell, Puma, Engen, and Sasol, Frans Kalenga has established himself as a preeminent figure in the Namibian energy sector. His diverse and impressive background in the petroleum industry is now further enriched by his role as Country Representative for SONANGOL Integrated Logistics Services (SONILS) in Namibia, where he leads the development of a new integrated logistics hub to support the country’s growing oil and gas industry.

Prior to this, Kalenga served as Acting Executive: Sales, Marketing & Business Development at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), where he was instrumental in shaping business strategy, driving sales of petroleum products, and expanding Namcor’s commercial reach, including bunkering and export markets. His tenure at Namcor also included his influential role as Head of Sustainable Energies, where he championed clean energy initiatives and positioned Namcor as a forward-looking player in energy transition.

Previously, Kalenga served as Technical Advisor on Green Hydrogen to Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. Tom Alweendo. In this capacity, he oversaw the drafting of Namibia’s green hydrogen and synthetic fuels policies, spearheaded the national strategy and roadmap for green hydrogen, and engaged with both government and private-sector stakeholders to enable investment and regulatory compliance. His work in this pioneering space has earned him recognition as a key contributor to Namibia’s vision for a sustainable and diversified energy future.

Deeply familiar with the Namibian legislative and regulatory framework, Kalenga brings extensive expertise in clean energy technology development, energy productivity, grid integration, and energy market reform. His strong project management capabilities, combined with his collaborative leadership style, have allowed him to consistently deliver strategic value in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

With extensive training in the petroleum industry, Kalenga navigates the complexities of the energy sector with confidence. A true global citizen, he is fluent in English, Russian, Portuguese, and his native language, Rukwangali—skills that enable him to work effectively across cultures and international contexts in an increasingly interconnected industry.

His commitment to advancing the energy sector is also reflected in his mentorship and advocacy for emerging professionals. Kalenga is an active member of professional bodies such as the Engineering Council of Namibia, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and Future Energy Leaders. His pursuit of lifelong learning keeps him at the cutting edge of innovation in energy systems, sustainability, and business development.

Outside of his professional endeavours, Kalenga enjoys sports and choral music, which reflect his balanced approach to life and his passion for community. With his extensive experience, strategic insight, and forward-thinking mindset, Frans Kalenga continues to shape the future of Namibia’s energy landscape and remains a visionary force in the global movement toward sustainable energy.

Edmilson Praia is a Petroleum and Gas Applied Geology Specialist, PhD Candidate in Applied Geophysics focused on Artificial Intelligence, and Director of Research, Development and Technology at Copia Group of Companies.

He conducts advanced academic and industrial research at the Ufa University of Science and Technology, located in Ufa, Russia, where his doctoral work focuses on Artificial Intelligence applied to Geophysics, Petrophysics, and Reservoir Characterization.

With a multidisciplinary profile, Edmilson Praia operates at the intersection of Geosciences, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation, developing innovative technological solutions for oil and gas exploration, reservoir modeling, and intelligent data-driven decision-making

Alexandre is currently the Business Unit Director overlooking Subsea7 business in Africa South region/countries, with focus on expanding Subsea7 business, delivery and execution of projects.

Alexandre Bringer held several positions, including vice president for Africa and Caspian and prior to that as vice president and Group Controller of Finance & Administration.

Alex hold a masters in finance and investments from George Washington University (Washington DC – USA).  Based in Paris, France.

Giovanni Aquilina – Is the Exploration Director at Azule Energy. He brings over 22 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including the last eight years in senior leadership roles within exploration. Throughout his career, Giovanni has held a wide range of positions, beginning as a Wellsite Geologist on drilling rigs and progressing through several operational and managerial roles before assuming his current leadership position. His professional path includes extensive international exposure, having lived and worked in Venezuela, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria and Angola. This global experience has provided him with strong technical and managerial capabilities, particularly in geological operations and exploration management. Giovanni holds a degree in Applied Geology for Environmental Protection from the University of Catania, Italy. Passionate about the energy sector, he values cross-functional collaboration across the upstream business and is a strong advocate for effective communication and knowledge sharing. Outside of work, Giovanni enjoys cooking, listening to classical music and running.

Jeanine Shipushu is Namibia HR Manager at TechnipFMC. In this role, she leads the company’s HR agenda in country, focusing on talent development, organisational culture, and compliance, supporting sustainable value creation in the local context.

Harmony Musiyarira is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and an Associate Professor of Process and Environmental Engineering. In his role, he places a strong focus on industry-academia collaboration and the development of engineering talent aligned with national priorities, supporting the growth of a skilled and future-ready workforce.

Harriet Keis is a Technical Service Personnel at TechnipFMC. She has gained experience through internships across some of the company’s African entities, including Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria, building a strong technical foundation in offshore operations. In her roles, Harriet supports the safe and efficient execution of complex offshore activities, contributing to the development of technical capabilities essential to delivering energy projects.

Blanche S. Goreses is a seasoned news reporter and prime-time news anchor, currently serving as Chief News Correspondent at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). With 13 years of experience in the media industry, she has built a distinguished career in journalism, marked by strong communication, research, and editorial expertise, as well as the ability to report effectively on complex issues under tight deadlines. In her current role as correspondent assigned to the Office of the President, Blanche covers key socio-economic matters of national importance, including energy security, infrastructure development, and foreign relations. Over the past five years, she has closely reported on Namibia’s growing prominence in global discussions around both renewable and non-renewable energy, demonstrating a strong commitment to informing and educating the public. Returning for a second time as moderator at the Namibia International Energy Conference, Blanche brings both subject-matter familiarity and proven experience in facilitating high-level dialogue. Her continued involvement underscores her credibility and the value she adds in engaging industry leaders, executives, and policymakers on issues shaping Namibia’s future as a leading energy hub.

Dr Sindila Mwiya has more than twenty-five (25) years of practical field-based technical industry experience covering onshore and offshore strategic and technical permitting and de-risking advisory support services to international, regional and local companies in mining, oil, gas, water and energy sectors. He is the founder of Risk-Based Solutions (RBS) CC, a technical specialist consulting company specialised in technical permitting and de-risking advisory support services in natural resources covering minerals exploration and mining, oil and gas exploration and production, energy, water, environmental assessments, and management (ESG, SEA, EIA, EMP, EMS), automated property development, specialist programmes and projects management, training, and research.

Since 2004, Dr Sindila Mwiya has undertaken more than 300 high value projects for Local (Namibian), Continental (Africa) and International (Global) based clients. He has worked and continues to work for global reputable resources, energy and specialist services companies such as Shell Namibia B.V. Limited, Chevron, BW Energy, Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd, Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas PGS, TGS, Searcher, SLB, CGG Services, Debmarine (DBMN), Osino Resource Corporation, Lepidico, Maurel & Prom, Tullow Oil, Petrobras Oil and Gas, REPSOL, MEL, Dundee Precious Metals, EMGS, ACREP, HRT Africa, Chariot Oil and Gas Exploration, NABIRM, Serica Energy, GeoPartners, PetroSA Equatorial Guinea, Preview Energy Resources, and Sintezneftegaz. Dr Sindila Mwiya is highly qualified with extensive practical field-based, projects development and technical permitting experiences in petroleum exploration, appraisal and production, mineral exploration and mining, renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydropower), non-renewable energy (coal, petroleum, and natural gas), applied environmental assessment, management, and monitoring (ESG, EIA, EMP, EMP, EMS) and overall industry specific HSE, cleaner production programmes, Geoenvironmental, geological and geotechnical engineering specialist fields.

He continues to work as an International and National Technical Permitting and De-Risking Advisor in Resources (mining, oil, gas, water and energy), International Resources Consultant, National Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) / Environmentally Sustainable, Automated / Smart and Climate Change resilient homes developer, Public Officer / Engineering / Technical Consultant for RBS / Foresight Group Namibia, Project Manager, Programme Advisor and a member of the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) for PhD Programme in Natural and Applied Sciences for the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and has worked as a Lecturer, University of Namibia (UNAM), External Examiner/ Moderator, NUST, National (Namibia), National (Namibia) Technical Advisor (Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism / DANIDA – Cleaner Production Component) and Chief Geologist for Engineering and Environment Division, Geological Survey of Namibia, Ministry of Mines and Energy and a Field-Based Geotechnician (Specialised in Magnetics, Seismic, Gravity and Electromagnetics Exploration and Survey Methods) under the Federal Institute for Geoscience and Natural Resources (BGR) German Mineral Exploration Promotion Project to Namibia, Geophysics Division, Geological Survey of Namibia, Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

He has supervised and continues to support several MScs and PhDs research programmes / projects and has been a reviewer on international, national and regional researches, plans, programmes and projects with the objective to ensure substantial local skills knowledge-bases development, pivotal to the national socioeconomic development through the promotion of sustainable natural resources coexistence, management, development, recovery, utilisation and for development policies, plans, programmes and projects financed by governments, private investors, and international development partners. Among his academic achievements, Dr Sindila Mwiya is a holder of a PhD within the broader fields of Engineering Geology / Geotechnical / Geoenvironmental / Environmental Engineering, Knowledge-Based Systems (KBS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Arid and Semiarid Environments, MPhil/PG Cert and BEng (Hons) (Engineering Geology and Geotechnics) qualifications from the University of Portsmouth, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, United Kingdom. During the 2004 Namibia National Science Awards, organised by the Namibian Ministry of Education, and held in Windhoek, Dr Sindila Mwiya was awarded the Geologist of the Year for 2004, in the professional category. Furthermore, as part of his professional career recognition, Dr Sindila Mwiya is a life member of the Geological Society of Namibia, Consulting member of the Hydrogeological Society of Namibia and a Professional Engineer registered with the Engineering Council of Namibia.

Irvin was admitted as a legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia in April 2003. His areas of practice focus on mergers and acquisitions, competition (antitrust) law, natural resources law, banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, and law of contract. He undertakes due diligences investigations in large merger and acquisition transactions and has advised multinationals and major corporations with respect to financing arrangements in such acquisitions. He regularly advises local and international banks on banking regulation in Namibia and all aspects of general bank and institutional debt finance, as well as capital markets. He has contributed to publications in the “International Comparative Legal Guide” and “Getting the Deal Through” on topics related to oil and gas regulation in Namibia. Irvin is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) and the Law Society of Namibia.

Festus Hangula is the Executive Director of Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA). Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Post Limited, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Security Commission, Head of Treasury and Specialised Banking Services (Treasurer) of FNB Namibia and Head of Financial Markets at the Bank of Namibia. He holds an MBA in Finance, BA Administration, and graduated as a Fellow of the Macro Economic and Financial Management Institute of East and Southern Africa. Amongst others, he served for six years as Chairman of Southern Africa Postal Operators Association, a board member and Chairman of the Namibia Competition Commission, and non-executive director of Standard Bank Namibia and Chairman of the Credit Committee. Currently, he serves as a non-executive director of Retirement Fund Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Falcon Investments (Pty) Ltd, PhinCon Enterprises (Pty) Ltd. and Chairman of NamPost Financial Brokers (Pty) Ltd.

Sophie Masipa is an entrepreneur, marketing and communications specialist and speaker. Sophie Masipa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mwungano, a pan-African entrepreneurial consultancy specializing in strategic brand, communications and public relations, market-entry in the areas of sustainability, philanthropy, sports, AI, and Industry. Sophie is Founder of Kgommuu International, a sustainable infrastructure investment company that works at the intersection of the blue economy, circular economy, technology and inclusive industrialisation. Sophie is a non-Executive Board Member of Ocean Hub Africa; Genesis Energy South Africa; and Mahlako Financial Services. She serves on the Advisory Council of Africa Communications Week, and is the Southern and East Africa Lead for the World Ocean Council.

Saave is currently serving as a New Ventures Manager in the Upstream Development & Production department at NAMCOR. And she has been with the company for over 13 years, where she served most of this time as a geoscientist. In her current role, Saave is responsible for monitoring and managing NAMCOR’s share of participation in local and international upstream commercial assets. Saave holds an MSc. Degree in Petroleum Geosciences from Heriot Watt University, UK; a BSc. Honors degree in Geology from Rhodes University, South Africa, and a BSc. degree in Geology and Environmental Science from the University of Namibia. Saave is also a holder of a Senior Management Development Program (SMDP) certificate from the University of Stellenbosch Business School as well as a Project Management Certificate from Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Suoma Andreas is the Administrative Coordinator of the Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA), supporting governance structures, and facilitating dialogue between upstream operators, government, and key stakeholders. With legal and compliance qualifications from the University of Namibia and the University of Cape Town as well as Organisational Leadership training from Stellenbosch Business School, her experience is in governance, compliance, public speaking and supporting board and executive functions for over 10 years.

Barbara Kahatjipara is a consummate strategic communications and marketing professional whose career of more than two decades has established her as one of the most compelling voices in her field. A gifted public speaker, master of ceremonies, moderator and Director of Programs, Barbara brings to every platform the rare combination of intellectual rigour, cross-cultural fluency and an instinctive ability to hold a room and shape a conversation that matters.

Her academic formation is both distinguished and uniquely international. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialisation in International Marketing from the University of Reutlingen in Germany, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and German from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. This dual grounding in the liberal arts and the disciplines of business has endowed Barbara with a perspective that is as strategic as it is nuanced, enabling her to engage audiences across boardrooms, conference halls and public stages with equal authority and grace.

Over the course of her career, Barbara has honed her expertise in strategy, marketing and communications across an impressive breadth of industries and geographies, having lived and worked in Namibia, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Chad, Malaysia, South Africa. She has navigated the full spectrum of sectors, from technology and financial services, medical aid industry, to higher education and civil society, demonstrating a remarkable capacity to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives

A trailblazer in the architecture of high-level dialogue, Barbara served as the inaugural Director of Programs for the first edition of the RichAfrica Story in 2012, a distinction that speaks to the trust and confidence that conference organisers have long placed in her singular talent. She returned to helm the program for the second edition in 2014, further cementing her reputation as the architect of conversations that leave a lasting impression.

It is therefore no coincidence that the founders of the Namibia International Energy Conference selected Barbara Kahatjipara as a speaker for its eighth edition. She arrives at this platform as the natural embodiment of everything the conference stands for: a professional of continental stature, with the experience, the eloquence and the strategic depth to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s defining conversation on the road to first oil and beyond.