NAMCOR Appoints Victoria Sibeya as Managing Director
On 26 June 2024, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) announced that Victoria Sibeya will assume the role of Managing Director, effective 1 July 2024. Her five‑year term marks the latest leadership change at the state‑owned oil company, which has been navigating a period of heightened exploration activity and shifting energy‑policy priorities in Namibia.
Professional Background
Sibeya brings more than 18 years of experience within NAMCOR, having joined the corporation in 2006 as a geoscientist. Over the years she has held progressively responsible positions, including:
- Asset Manager – overseeing field development and production optimisation
- Upstream Exploration Executive – leading Namibia’s offshore and onshore prospecting programmes since April 2019
- Geoscientist – conducting seismic interpretation and reservoir modelling
Her technical foundation is rooted in geology: she earned a B.Sc. in Geology from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, followed by an M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Namibia. To complement her scientific expertise, Sibeya completed an MBA at the University of Aberdeen, equipping her with strategic business and financial acumen.
Industry Recognition and Leadership Roles
Beyond NAMCOR, Sibeya has been active in professional societies and advisory boards:
- Secretary for the African Region, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
- Trustee, Petrofund Board of Trustees – Namibia’s sovereign wealth fund for petroleum revenues
- Recipient of the Frontier Energy 2025 Emerging Leadership Award
- Honouree of the 2026 Women in Energy Leadership Award, presented at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC)
These accolades underscore her reputation as a rising leader in Africa’s energy sector and her commitment to fostering diversity and technical excellence.
Strategic Importance for Namibia
Namibia’s offshore basins, particularly the Orange and Walvis Bay areas, have attracted increasing interest from international operators following recent hydrocarbon discoveries. NAMCOR’s mandate includes:
- Managing the state’s participating interests in petroleum contracts
- Ensuring transparent revenue collection for the national treasury
- Developing local capacity through training and joint‑venture partnerships
In its statement, the NAMCOR Board expressed confidence that Sibeya’s blend of geoscientific insight and business leadership will help steer the corporation through the evolving regulatory landscape, strengthen joint‑venture negotiations, and reinforce Namibia’s energy security objectives.
Transition from Acting Management
Sibeya succeeds Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, who served as Acting Managing Director from 1 March 2024 pending the appointment of a substantive executive. The Board thanked Ndafyaalako for maintaining operational continuity during the interim period and highlighted the smooth handover process as a testament to NAMCOR’s governance practices.
Looking Ahead
Under Sibeya’s direction, stakeholders can expect a continued focus on:
- Advancing offshore exploration programmes while adhering to environmental best practices
- Enhancing stakeholder engagement with communities, regulators, and international partners
- Optimising the monetisation of existing assets to support national development goals
- Promoting gender diversity and youth participation within the petroleum industry
As Namibia positions itself to harness its hydrocarbon potential responsibly, the appointment of a leader with Sibeya’s technical depth and managerial experience signals a strategic step toward sustainable growth and resilient energy security.
