The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has confirmed the appointment of Victoria Sibeya as the substantive managing director of the national oil company.
Victoria Sibeya Biography
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Nationality: Namibian
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Alma mater: University of Namibia; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (formerly University of Port Elizabeth); University of Stellenbosch; University of Aberdeen
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Occupation: Geologist, energy executive
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Years active: 2003–present
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Known for: Appointment as Acting Managing Director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) in 2025; recognition among Africa’s 50 most inspirational female energy executives in 2023
Education
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2003: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geology and Chemistry – University of Namibia
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2006: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geology – University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa)
Higher Education
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2015: Master of Science (MSc) in Geology – University of Namibia
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Research: “Petroleum System Analysis and Seismic Study of the Orange Basin, Offshore Namibia”
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2016: Executive Management Programme – University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
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2023: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Global – University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Career & Positions Held
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2003–2006: Geologist at the Ministry of Mines and Energy
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2006–2012: Geoscientist at NAMCOR
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2012–2015: Asset Manager within the Exploration and Production Department at NAMCOR
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2015–2019: Acting Executive for Exploration and Production at NAMCOR
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2019–2025: Executive for Upstream Exploration at NAMCOR
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2025–present: Acting Managing Director of NAMCOR (effective 1 April 2025)
Additional Professional Roles
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Secretary, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) for Africa Region
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Member, Board of Trustees, Petrofund
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Chairperson, Mining and Quarrying, Construction, Electricity, Gas, Water Supply and Sanitation Industry Skills Committee, Namibia Training Authority (NTA)
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Vice President, Geological Council of Namibia (former)
Awards and Honours
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Named among Africa’s 50 most inspirational female energy executives at the Africa Oil Week in Cape Town (October 2023)
Controversies & Legal Status
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Controversies: In 2024, Sibeya and Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe faced public criticism after discussing national projects at a Swapo rally, with concerns raised over the use of government resources in a potentially partisan context.
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Criminal charges / Legal issues: None documented.
