Namcor announces new interim leader
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has announced the conclusion of Maureen Hinda-Mbuende’s tenure as interim managing director, effective 28 February 2026, following six months of service at the corporation.
The Namcor board of directors has appointed the Executive for Upstream Development and Production, Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, as acting managing director, effective 1 March 2026, pending the conclusion of the ongoing recruitment process for a substantive managing director.
During her tenure, Hinda-Mbuende provided leadership to the organisation and contributed to advancing Namcor’s strategic objectives and operational priorities, according to Namcor spokesperson Utaara Hoveka.
Ndafyaalako joined Namcor in 2018 as a geoscientist and steadily progressed through the ranks to manage new ventures before assuming his current substantive position as Executive: Upstream Development and Production. With nearly two decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, both locally and internationally, he brings extensive technical expertise, industry knowledge, and a strong leadership track record to his new role, according to Hoveka.
“The board is confident that his experience and leadership will ensure continuity as Namcor continues to deliver on its mandate,” Hoveka said.
Since joining the corporation in 2018, Ndafyaalako has held several technical and leadership roles, contributing to the advancement of Namcor’s upstream portfolio and strategic initiatives, Hoveka elaborated.
His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance from the Namibia Business School at the University of Namibia (UNAM); a Master of Science (MSc) in Petroleum Geology, awarded with distinction, from UNAM; and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geological Engineering, specialising in Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production (summa cum laude) from the Higher Institute of Mining and Metallurgy of Moa. He has also completed a Senior Management Development Programme at Stellenbosch Business School, as well as a certificate in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Ciego de Ávila.
His academic achievements, combined with his extensive technical and leadership experience, position him well to lead Namcor during this transitional period, Hoveka said.
