Former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Nangula Uaandja, has been appointed as the new executive director of Emeraldsand Platforms, effective 1 July 2026.
Uaandja takes over the position from Albe Botha.
Emeralds and Platforms is a diversified investment group with interests in media, financial services, logistics and service support. The company places a strong emphasis on local content development and community engagement, positioning itself as a key player in advancing inclusive economic growth in the region.
The group manages more than 30 companies across various sectors and has a regional footprint. Through its media platforms, Emeralds and Platforms reaches over 500 million people annually and engages more than one million individuals daily.
In 2023, the group strengthened its media portfolio through the acquisition of a controlling stake in Namibia Media Holdings Proprietary Limited, which has since been rebranded as Network Media Hub.
Uaandja brings extensive leadership and institutional development experience to her new role. As the first CEO of the NIPDB, she was instrumental in shaping the organisation from its inception, establishing the strategy, systems, and processes that underpin its operations today. Under her leadership, the NIPDB positioned itself as a centre of excellence, recognised for its innovative approach and consistent pursuit of best practice.
Her tenure at the NIPDB was marked by strategic foresight, a strong focus on innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent. She is widely credited with building a highly capable and agile team, anchored in a culture of diligence, service excellence, and results-driven performance.
