ExxonMobil deputy country director Taimi Itembu is at the forefront of this agenda and continues to make great strides towards leveraging policy dialogue and partnership building to drive the company’s Namibian activities. Itembu is featured on the African Energy Chamber’s 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars list.
Itembu says:
Namibia’s energy sector is on the precipice of large-scale transformation owing to sizeable oil and gas discoveries made since 2022, ambitious renewable and green hydrogen project developments kicking off, and a proactive approach by the government to attract new investment in the country.
The market is ripe with opportunities, and companies like ExxonMobil are making progress to unlock the potential of the southern African country’s energy sector.
My journey started in public administration and policy, internationally with the US State Department and nationally with the judiciary – part of the team that established the judiciary’s office in Namibia – and parliament.
I have had an upward and steep trajectory working as Public and Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil and now as the Deputy Country Manager.
The industry is challenging but mostly accommodating. The sector’s size could be more significant, making it hard to move industry. But the ship is moving in the right direction, and with intentional advocacy and patience, we can move the needle and close the gender gap.
There is a place for everyone in the industry, not just engineers, financiers or geoscientists. It is an industry to learn and grow your career beyond oil and gas. An energy career can be demanding.
Although the industry is slow-moving, it has multiple moving parts. A day involves a lot of negotiations and engagements with Governments, National Oil Companies and other public stakeholders.
The world is racing to meet energy demands whilst focusing on a low-carbon future. This makes it an exciting time to be part of ExxonMobil, the global leader in low carbon solutions, specifically around Carbon Capture and Storage, and it feels good to be part of the solution.
Credit: African Energy Chamber
