The Africa Energy Chamber recently announced Munolwisho Elizabeth Ipangelwa, Green Hydrogen advisor at GIZ, as one of this year’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars. 

This accolade celebrates her commitment to advancing gender inclusivity in Namibia’s oil, gas and green hydrogen sectors, making her an anchor of hope for women and young professionals in the energy industry. 

Ipangelwa joins a distinguished list of accomplished African women in the oil, gas and green hydrogen sectors. 

Her fel l ow achievers include Amena Bakr, senior research analyst, Energy Intelligence, UAE; Amoetsoe Mkwena, senior associate, Watson Farley & Williams, Middle East; Janice Faria, CEO, Enagol: Energias de Angola; Jocelyne Machevo, communication, commercial and marketing manager, Vivo Energy Mozambique; Lilian Kamanja, electrical engineer, Kenya Power; Kanni Touray, deputy director general, Petroleum Commission, The Gambia, as well as other esteemed professionals at major energy companies. 

Speaking on the honour, she said “I am truly honoured and humbled to have been selected as one of the 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars. What started as a personal passion has been acknowledged by the Africa Energy Chamber. This recognition is a testament to the fact that young women are making their mark in the energy sector. 

“Many more women are doing extraordinary work in the energy space, and I believe this recognition shows that our efforts are not going unnoticed. I am also deeply grateful to my employer, GIZ, particularly the Green Hydrogen Business Alliance, for their continuous support”. 

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “This nomination has further fuelled my passion and determination to push forward the Energy Agenda for Namibia. I see it as an opportunity to advocate for greater inclusion, particularly for women and young people in the energy sector. There is immense potential for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, especially those led by youth, to thrive in these emerging industries, and I intend to keep championing that cause”. 

Her recognition istimelyasNamibia positions itself as a front-runner in the green hydrogen movement. 

“Absolutely, Namibia is well-pos i t ioned to embr ace the Green Hydrogen industry,” she asserted. 

“ T h e government has demons t r at ed its commitment by launching the Green Hydrogen s t r a t e g y and supporting project developers who are already setting up in the country. Policies are currently being formulated, and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme is in place to provide further backing. The consistency and dedication of Namibia in this regard are clear, and I am confident that the nation is prepared to take full advantage of this transformative industry”. 

James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen commissioner, emphasised the importance of Munolwisho’s contributions and the broader goal of empowering young, ski l l ed women professionals. 

“Recognising and supporting our young female professionals in the energy sector is critical for Namibia’s growth and energy ambitions. By empowering these rising stars, we’re building a skilled workforce ready to lead transformative projects,” he remarked. 

Ipangelwa’s journey to this award symbolises the growing recognition of Namibian women in the energy sector and the potential they bring to its future. 

Her story inspires a new generation of leaders committed to building a more inclusive, sustainable Namibia and transforming the energy landscape across Africa.