The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has appointed its Upstream Development and Production executive, Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, as acting managing director, with effective from 1 March 2026. 

The appointment was made pending the conclusion of the ongoing recruitment process for a substantive managing director at the national petroleum entity.

Ndafyaalako’s appointment comes at the conclusion of Maureen Hinda-Mbuende’s tenure 28 February 2026 as interim managing director, after six months of service at the corporation. 

“During her tenure, Hinda-Mbuende provided leadership to the organisation and contributed to advancing Namcor’s strategic objectives and operational priorities. The Namcor Board of Directors and staff extend their gratitude to Ms Hinda-Mbuende for her commitment, and service to the Corporation, and wish her well in her future endeavours”, reads the statement from a Namcor spokesperson. 

With nearly two decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, both locally and internationally, Ndafyaalako brings extensive technical expertise, industry knowledge, and a strong leadership track record to his new role. 

“The Board is confident that his experience and leadership will ensure continuity as Namcor continues to deliver on its mandate”, Namcor stated. 

Ndafyaalako joined Namcor in 2018 as a geoscientist and has steadily progressed through the ranks to manager for New Ventures before assuming his current substantive position as executive for Upstream Development & Production.  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. 

His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accounting and Finance (Namibia Business School, University of Namibia), a Master of Science (MSc), Petroleum Geology (University of Namibia), a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Geological Engineering, Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production (High Institute of Mining-Metallurgy of Moa) and a Senior Management Development Programme (Stellenbosch Business School). 

“His academic achievements, combined with extensive technical and leadership experience, positions him well to lead Namcor during this transitional period,”Namcor added. – ebrandt@nepc.com.na