Namibian Mining News The Professional Mining Journal
Related Articles
Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has appointed Deputy Director of Petroleum Exploration and Production Aune Amutenya as Acting Petroleum Commissioner, marking a key leadership transition at a critical moment for the country’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.
The appointment, announced by Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse in a statement on 17 June 2026, took effect on 2 June 2026. It follows the reassignment of Maggy Shino, who will remain within the ministry as director of upstream petroleum affairs. The Ministry said the appointment is in line with the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1991, which governs the designation of the petroleum commissioner.
Amutenya brings experience from her role as deputy director of petroleum exploration and production, where she has been involved in overseeing Namibia’s fast-growing upstream exploration activities. Her appointment comes as Namibia transitions from exploration-led activity to development decision-making, with major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin attracting global oil majors and increasing investment interest.
The petroleum commissioner plays a central role in regulating exploration and production licences, ensuring compliance and guiding the implementation of national petroleum policy. The leadership change also comes as industry stakeholders await final investment decisions on several offshore developments linked to recent discoveries.
The Ministry said it appreciated Shino’s contribution during a period in which Namibia recorded some of its most significant offshore petroleum discoveries. Amutenya is now expected to help steer the regulatory framework through the next phase of development as Namibia seeks to convert exploration success into long-term production and economic value.
