Race for NamPower MD heats up

The race to lead Namibia’s national power utility NamPower has intensified, with at least five senior figures from the country’s electricity and energy sector understood to have applied for the position of managing director.

Namibian Sun has learnt that the candidates include Cenored chief executive officer Fessor Mbango, NamPower transmission executive Leandro Kapolo, former NamPower chief operating officer Fritz Jacobs, Oshakati Premier Electric (OPE) chief executive officer Nelson Sheya, and NamPower executive Kandali Iyambo.

The recruitment follows approval by mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse for NamPower’s board to advertise and recruit a substantive managing director.

In a letter dated 17 June, seen by Namibian Sun, Amutse approved the commencement of the recruitment process following consultations with the NamPower board and discussions on the impending expiry of managing director Simson Haulofu’s term on 31 December.

 The minister said he had considered the amended job profile and proposed adjustments relating to the qualification and experience requirements for the position.

“Following the necessary consultations, I hereby provide my approval for the NamPower board to proceed with the recruitment process for the position of managing director in accordance with the approved recruitment plan and applicable governance requirements,” Amutse said.

The successful candidate will take charge of one of Namibia’s most strategic state-owned enterprises at a time when the country is pursuing major investments in electricity generation, transmission infrastructure, renewable energy and regional power trading.

“I trust that the process will be conducted in a fair, transparent and competitive manner, with due consideration given to attracting candidates with the appropriate leadership capabilities, technical competence, and strategic vision required to guide NamPower through its evolving mandate and future challenges,” Amutse said.

Applications closed on 24 July.

According to the recruitment advert, candidates must hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering, energy or a related discipline, as well as an MBA or recognised leadership qualification.

Candidates are also required to have at least 15 years’ practical experience in the energy, electricity supply or related industries, including a minimum of five years at executive management level.

The candidates

Mbango currently heads Cenored, one of Namibia’s regional electricity distributors, after previously serving as chief executive of Erongo RED. He brings extensive experience in electricity distribution and utility management.

He holds bachelor's and master's qualifications in electrical engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and an executive development programme at Stellenbosch University. He took over as Cenored CEO in 2023.

Kapolo, an electrical engineer, is one of NamPower’s longest-serving executives, having spent nearly three decades at the utility. He heads the transmission business unit, which is responsible for the national transmission network, system operations, engineering services and long-term grid planning.

He holds advanced qualifications in technology management and has also served in leadership roles within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

Contacted for comments, Kapolo confirmed that he applied.

“It is too early for me to comment. For now, it is just an application. One never knows how things are going to turn out,” he said.

Jacobs retired from NamPower in December 2025 after serving as the utility’s chief operating officer. During his tenure, he oversaw the company’s operational divisions and formed part of the executive leadership responsible for the country’s electricity supply and network operations.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Cape Town. A registered engineer and chartered business administrator, Jacobs has years of executive leadership experience in engineering, strategy, project management and governance.

Iyambo heads NamPower’s modified single buyer (MSB) business unit, which plays a central role in electricity trading, power procurement, imports and exports and the operation of Namibia’s competitive electricity market.

Her portfolio is also involved in the Angola-Namibia Power Interconnection Project (ANNA), a strategic cross-border project aimed at linking the electricity networks of the two countries.

She brings experience in energy trading, power purchase agreement negotiations, financial modelling and electricity system operations. Iyambo holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering, an MBA and a B Juris degree.

Iyambo declined to comment.

Sheya currently serves as chief executive officer of Oshakati Premier Electric (OPE), the electricity distribution company serving Oshakati.

He brings executive experience in electricity distribution and utility management. He holds an MBA from Stellenbosch University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Africa.

Sheya was heading to a meeting and unable to comment when Namibian Sun reached out to him.

The appointment is expected to shape the future direction of the utility as Namibia seeks to strengthen energy security, expand domestic generation capacity and position itself as a regional energy hub.

NamPower has been led by Haulofu, now 64, for the past 10 years, following his appointment as managing director in August 2016.