- Carlo McLeod joins Namibia’s presidency as Special Adviser and Deputy Director of the new Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU), overseeing oil sector development.
- The UPU, led by Kornelia Shilunga, will align petroleum policy with national goals, review regulations, and manage industry coordination.
- Namibia centralises oil governance under the president as offshore exploration gains momentum and global investors seek regulatory clarity.
Namibia has appointed Carlo McLeod as Special Adviser and Deputy Director of the new Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU). The UPU now operates under the direct control of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s office.
The government aims to tighten control over the growing oil and gas sector. This move follows rising offshore exploration activity and the need for coordinated oversight.
McLeod brings experience from both the public service and the private oil sector. He worked as the Deputy Managing Director at Chevron Namibia. Before that, he spent eight years as the Deputy Director of Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He also helped the government tackle fuel smuggling.
Kornelia Shilunga, former Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, leads the new unit. President Nandi-Ndaitwah asked her to structure the UPU shortly after her inauguration in March.
The presidency said the UPU will drive “effective and coherent development” of Namibia’s petroleum resources. The unit will review outdated regulations, enforce stronger local content policies, and manage upcoming oil project phases.
TotalEnergies, Shell, and other oil giants continue to invest in Namibian offshore blocks. These companies want clearer regulations and more structured engagement with the government.
The UPU will be the main link between public institutions and private operators. It will also handle major oil contract negotiations and ensure companies meet national objectives.
The government chose McLeod to ensure consistency and technical depth. His broad experience helps the presidency make informed decisions about oil policy and development. His appointment signals a shift to more direct presidential oversight of the sector.
Namibia’s offshore discoveries have generated high expectations. Several exploratory wells show strong potential for commercial production. The country now faces decisions that could define its future as an oil producer.
With the UPU in place, the presidency wants to control how the country develops its resources. Officials have emphasised job creation and local content as top priorities.
McLeod will play a key role in driving this vision. He will help set project timelines, guide negotiations, and ensure alignment with national plans.
Civil society organisations continue to call for transparent and inclusive resource management. They have urged the government to avoid corruption and resource mismanagement seen in other countries.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah placed the UPU in her office to give it political weight and direct access to decision-makers. She wants to keep the oil policy under close watch as the country moves towards production.
As the oil sector advances, McLeod and the UPU must balance investor confidence with public interest and deliver results that benefit Namibia’s economy and people.
McLeod’s appointment highlights a clear shift. Namibia now takes a firmer, more hands-on approach to oil governance. The coming years will reveal how well the new structure delivers its promises.