Namibian entrepreneur and expert in economic diplomacy, Ndahafa Hapulile, was recently recognised with the African Youth Ambassador Award and the Patrice Lumumba Leadership Excellence and Integrity Award.
She was presented with these honours in Zimbabwe over the weekend.
Hapulile was awarded and recognised at the Iconic Africa Summit and Honours 2026, held in Harare, under the theme “The Africa We Want, Sustainable Development, Everyone’s Responsibility.” The summit was attended by African business leaders, entrepreneurs, and young change-makers from across the continent.
“I give glory to God for the grace to serve at this level with this recognition,” said Hapulile, adding that his appointment as the African Youth Ambassador has represented a sacred trust and a call to serve Africa with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Hapulile added that the appointment of a youth ambassador also reflects confidence in a new generation of young leaders.
“It is a celebration of the fact that our continent is ready to put its future in the hands of a generation that is grounded in values, vision, and unity,” said Hapulile, accepting the award with humility and a commitment to the vision of ‘The Africa We Want.’ In accepting the Patrice Lumumba Leadership Excellence and Integrity Award, Hapulile also took time to reflect on the importance of the name that is linked to the award. “The name Patrice Lumumba is linked with courage, conviction, and an unswerving commitment to the sovereignty of Africa. To be linked with such a name is of great significance,” said the businesswoman. She added that she stood for righteousness even when it was not convenient.
“Leadership with integrity is about alignment between faith, values, and actions. It is about accountability even when no one is watching,” she explained. Pan African entrepreneur and event producer, Temisan O. Louis, congratulated Hapulile and other honourees at the summit. “Your presence and participation are critical to the success of this summit and the achievement of our collective vision,” he said, adding that all those who received awards must work together to build a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable Africa for generations to come. In addition to the awards, Hapulile has built a successful portfolio that combines business and social impact. She is currently the chief executive of Sama Investment and Consultancy, which offers advisory services in mining, ICT, hospitality, and enterprise development, and manages property and tourism investments.
“Our work is about building sustainable enterprises that create long-term value and open doors for others,” she said.
She is also the founder of Dalarize Guesthouse and the Dalarize Development Project, which concentrates on student housing and social innovation, and I Am The Key Children Media, which produces educational content to empower young people across Africa.
Growing up in Namibia inspired her leadership path.
“I realised that leadership is not about prominence; it is about impact. I want to be the help I wish I received,” she said.
Since receiving the awards, Hapulile plans to advocate for youth inclusion in economic policy discussions and continental trade platforms, especially in Southern and West Africa.
“Africa is entering a defining decade. We must lead with wisdom, collaborate with unity and build with excellence,” she said. “Africa is not only rising, but it must also lead,” she said.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na