Ndeunyema nominated among Africa’s top infrastructure influencers

Namibian energy executive Shiwana Ndeunyema has been nominated for the 2026 Top 100 Influential Africans in Infrastructure, in recognition of his leadership in the energy sector, infrastructure governance, institutional development and national policy.

The nomination, curated by Powered by Africa, places Ndeunyema primarily in the Energy & Power category, with Ports & Maritime identified as an additional area of impact.

Powered by Africa said Ndeunyema’s more than 15 years of professional experience, including seven years in executive leadership, have positioned him at the intersection of energy, strategic infrastructure, investment and Africa’s industrialisation agenda.

His profile is particularly significant as Namibia emerges as a major oil and gas frontier following the discovery of substantial offshore resources, increasing the importance of energy infrastructure, ports, logistics and strong national institutions capable of translating resource wealth into sustainable economic development.

A key consideration in his nomination was his 10-month tenure as Interim Managing Director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), during which he led the state oil company through one of its most challenging periods.

Ndeunyema assumed the interim leadership role amid major offshore oil discoveries and heightened international investor interest in Namibia. During his tenure, he engaged government, international oil companies, financial institutions and other strategic stakeholders while working to maintain institutional stability and investor confidence.

He also led the development of NAMCOR’s turnaround strategy and supported efforts to mobilise funding for its implementation – work that subsequently received formal recognition from the corporation’s Board.

His contribution to infrastructure development extends beyond the petroleum sector.

As a board member of the Namibia Ports Authority (Namport), Ndeunyema is involved in governance of an institution whose strategic importance is growing as Namibia seeks to position its ports as gateways for offshore energy activity, regional logistics, trade and industrial development.

His broader governance experience includes previous service on the boards and governing structures of Telecom Namibia, the Namibia University of Science and Technology and Meatco.

Policy and institutional development

The nomination also recognises Ndeunyema’s contribution to national policy and institutional development.

He was appointed to the Swapo think tank as a sector expert on natural resources, where he contributes to strategic thinking around oil and gas, natural resources and economic development.

His advisory work includes serving as lead consultant in the development of Namibia’s Public Enterprise Ownership Policy, while he has also led the development of five-year strategic plans for key national institutions.

Powered by Africa further highlighted his growing contribution to public discourse through national and international platforms, particularly on energy, local content, governance, investment, youth participation and industrialisation.

Ndeunyema has consistently advocated for the development of local capacity and greater participation by Namibian businesses and professionals in the country's emerging oil and gas economy, arguing that natural resource discoveries should translate into tangible opportunities for local communities, companies and young people.

The 2026 Infrastructure 100 initiative recognises African leaders shaping the continent’s infrastructure landscape and supporting industrial growth. This year's programme is aligned with the United Nations Day for African Industrialisation on 20 November, positioning the nominees within a broader global focus on Africa's economic transformation.