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Namibia appoints former Chevron executive to lead its oil strategy

Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.

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The Namibian presidency has officially appointed Carlo McLeod as special adviser and deputy director of the Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU), a newly created entity tasked with steering the national hydrocarbons strategy. The establishment of this unit, directly attached to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s office, marks an unprecedented centralisation of oil resource governance as offshore activity gains momentum.

McLeod, former deputy managing director of Chevron Namibia, brings dual experience in public administration and the oil industry. He previously served for eight years as deputy director of petroleum affairs at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, before joining the Namibian subsidiary of the US-based group in 2023. He was also involved in national efforts to combat fuel smuggling.

A presidential unit at the heart of oil decision-making

The Upstream Petroleum Unit is led by Kornelia Shilunga, former deputy minister of Mines and Energy. She was tasked with structuring the unit upon the president’s inauguration in March. The new body aims to better align political objectives with industrial interests amid growing offshore petroleum development.

The unit’s mandate includes reviewing regulatory frameworks, strengthening local content requirements, and overseeing the upcoming development phases. The presidency stated that this structure is expected to “ensure effective and coherent development” of the oil sector.

Pressures linked to the offshore development phase

International groups such as TotalEnergies have confirmed their engagement in Namibian offshore blocks while calling for greater regulatory clarity. The UPU will also be responsible for coordinating between public institutions and private operators, as well as preparing upcoming contractual negotiations.

In a still-developing environment, McLeod’s appointment signals a desire for technical continuity and institutional control. His integration into the presidency reflects a more hands-on approach to oil governance in a country where resource monetisation is beginning to materialise.

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