Blog

At NAMCOR, we are always proud to witness the incredible journeys of those who push boundaries, work tirelessly, and dare to make a meaningful difference. One such individual is Mr. Erich Nepembe, whose recent achievement of completing his PhD in pioneering research on offshore basins is a true testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for his work.
For Mr. Nepembe, pursuing a PhD wasn’t about collecting a title or gaining recognition, it was about making a significant impact. As he puts it, “It wasn’t about achieving a degree for the sake of it; it was about contributing something valuable to my country.” His research focuses on paleovalleys in frontier offshore basins—systems that play a crucial role in hydrocarbon exploration. While paleovalleys on land are well-understood, their offshore counterparts are more challenging to predict. This is where Mr. Nepembe’s work comes in, specifically in the Namibe Basin, a largely unexplored region with huge potential. “The Namibe Basin holds immense hydrocarbon potential, but much of it remains underexplored. My research aims to bridge that knowledge gap,” he explains.

Through his research, Mr. Nepembe developed innovative methods to detect and map these offshore paleovalleys. He’s not just studying these systems for the sake of knowledge; he’s creating practical tools that can be used in similar offshore basins worldwide. “The challenge wasn’t just to study these systems; it was about creating repeatable methods that can be used in similar regions globally,” he shares. His work is not only helping Namibia tap into its own resources but also contributing valuable data to the broader scientific community.

This work aligns perfectly with NAMCOR’s goal of driving Namibia’s hydrocarbon exploration forward. “The ultimate goal of my research is to help advance Namibia’s hydrocarbon exploration ambitions,” says Mr. Nepembe. By leveraging his findings, NAMCOR strengthens its position as a leader in the energy sector while also contributing to local economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. It’s research that’s not just about science, it’s about making a real difference for Namibia.

However, getting to this point wasn’t without its challenges. The road to completing his PhD had its fair share of obstacles, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, issues with data access, and the emotional toll of being far from home. “The emotional distance from my family and the stigma I sometimes faced abroad made it difficult, but I had to keep going,” he admits. It wasn’t always easy watching his peers move forward with their lives while he was buried in research. “But I pushed through,” he adds with a smile.
So, what kept him going through all of this? It wasn’t the pursuit of a degree or a prestigious title, it was his commitment to Namibia’s future. “Namibia needs more research-driven solutions to move forward,” he says, adding that his research was never just about the degree. It was about making a difference. Of course, there were personal motivations, too, like attending live football matches in the UK! “Small things like that kept me going,” he shares.

For professionals considering a similar path, Mr. Nepembe has some straightforward advice: “Make sure it’s something you genuinely want. If you’re passionate about solving real-world problems through research, go for it. Our country needs critical thinkers.” Research, according to Mr. Nepembe, is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for Namibia’s sustainable development.

Studying abroad not only expanded his professional skills but also gave him valuable insights into the socio-economic landscape back home. “Studying abroad made me see how much innovation is needed to address issues like governance and sustainable development back home,” he reflects. Today, he continues to be actively involved in regional research projects and energy conferences, contributing to NAMCOR’s growing body of knowledge. “I’m proud to be part of the team at NAMCOR, strengthening our expertise and contributing to Namibia’s energy future,” he says.

Balancing his personal life with the demands of his PhD was no small feat. “Being an introvert helped me cope with the physical distance from home, but the emotional distance, especially after becoming a father, was hard,” he admits. Missing key family milestones was tough, but it fueled his determination to finish his research for a better future for his family.

Mr. Nepembe leaves us with a powerful message: “Namibia still has untapped intellectual potential. If we’re serious about sustainable development, we need to leverage our human capital. Research is key to this.” His journey is a remarkable example of perseverance, passion, and purpose. His contributions to NAMCOR and Namibia will continue to inspire future generations and shape the country’s research and development landscape for years to come.

The Human Resources Department is committed to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that encourages employee engagement. By implementing initiatives focused on recognition, development, and wellbeing, we aim to create a culture where employees feel valued, motivated, and connected to the organisation’s mission. Through programmes like “Living the Values” and Employee Appreciation Day, we recognise and reward employees for their contributions. Additionally, we prioritise employee wellbeing by offering mental health resources and fostering a culture of development and growth. These efforts contribute to a thriving workplace and drive organisational success.

In today’s competitive business landscape, employee engagement is a cornerstone of organisational success. A highly engaged workforce is more productive, innovative, and loyal, leading to improved bottom-line results. The Human Capital Department plays a pivotal role in fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. By implementing strategic initiatives that address both professional and personal needs, we strive to create a culture that drives employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty.

In our increasingly connected world, we rely on technology for almost everything. This convenience, however, comes with a responsibility to protect ourselves online. Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication are essential for securing our accounts. Regularly backing up data shields us from accidental loss or attacks. By staying vigilant against phishing scams and securing our routers, we take control of our digital safety. The same principles apply in the workplace. Educating employees on cybersecurity habits protects company data and customer information. By working together, we can create a strong defense against cyber threats.

Our globe is now more connected than ever before thanks to the internet. With a few taps on our smartphones, we can video chat with friends all over the world, order things to come at our door in hours, or access massive amounts of information. We live in an era of limitless potential, with the digital frontier expanding by the day. However, great connectedness brings immense responsibility. As our lives become more digitized and linked, we must take steps to safeguard our data and privacy. The same technology that enables us also puts us at risk if sufficient safeguards are not in place. Malicious Threat Actors (MTA’s) are continually finding new methods for infiltrating unprotected devices and stealing critical data.

Africa’s energy landscape is undergoing a fascinating transformation. While there is a surge in oil and gas exploration in 2024, particularly in countries like Namibia and Angola, a strong counter-current is pushing for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This shift towards renewables is driven by a growing awareness of climate change and the potential of abundant sunshine and wind in Africa.

While renewable energy offers a sustainable future, its high initial costs and the existence of widespread energy poverty can make fossil fuels a more attractive option, at least in the short term, for some governments. Despite these hurdles, the future of African energy is increasingly bright.

Solar power is poised for the most significant growth, with wind power hot on its heels. In the near-term forecast, fossils fuels will retain their importance until the mid-2030s, but renewables are on track to become the preferred energy source. Furthermore, Africa is embracing innovative solutions like carbon capture and green hydrogen as well as ammonia production. Namibia, for instance, is leading the way in green hydrogen projects, showcasing the potential for a sustainable energy future.