Australian energy technology company Pivotree has appointed Namibian oil and gas executive Shafa Kaulinge to spearhead its expansion into Namibia and Angola as it seeks to secure business in two of Africa’s fastest-growing offshore petroleum markets.
The appointment comes as both countries move from exploration towards large-scale oil and gas development, creating growing demand for technologies that can unlock smaller and stranded offshore resources that are often uneconomical to develop using conventional methods.
Kaulinge will serve as Pivotree’s joint representative for Namibia and Angola alongside the company’s United Kingdom and Africa agent, Paul Howlett, strengthening the Perth-based firm’s presence in the region.
Pivotree develops technologies designed to commercialise marginal and stranded offshore oil and gas fields through lower-capital development solutions that aim to improve project economics while reducing development costs.
The company said Kaulinge would help identify commercial opportunities, engage governments and regulators, build relationships with operators and support the progression of projects in both countries.
Executive director Marcus Christian said Namibia and Angola represent natural markets for the company’s technology.
“We are very pleased to welcome Shafa to Pivotree’s agent network and to strengthen our representation in Angola and Namibia. These markets are a natural fit for Pivotree because they combine material offshore potential with a strong need for practical, lower-cost development pathways that can accelerate production and improve project economics.”
He said establishing a local presence would be essential to building long-term relationships with governments and industry players.
“Local knowledge and relationships are critical in Africa, particularly where operators and governments are seeking solutions that can unlock stranded value while supporting domestic energy security. Shafa’s regulatory experience, stakeholder network and on-the-ground understanding of Namibia and the broader Southern African region will be highly valuable.”
Howlett said Kaulinge’s appointment would deepen the company’s relationships with potential clients.
“Bringing Shafa into Pivotree’s agents network to cover Angola and Namibia will enhance and deepen relationships with potential clients, where representation on the ground is so important.”
“We are looking forward to working together to accelerate potential projects in Angola and Namibia, which are some of the most exciting countries in the oil and gas business in Africa today.”
Kaulinge said operators were increasingly looking for commercially viable ways to develop offshore discoveries that would otherwise remain undeveloped.
“Namibia and the wider Southern African region present a strong opportunity for Pivotree, particularly as operators look for cost-effective ways to unlock marginal and stranded offshore resources.”
“I look forward to supporting Pivotree’s engagement with key stakeholders and helping position the technology as a practical solution for accelerating production, improving project economics and strengthening regional energy security.”
Kaulinge is currently Namibia country manager for GEO Exploration Ltd, where he oversees regulatory compliance, environmental approvals and stakeholder engagement for Petroleum Exploration Licence 94. He previously served as Namibia country manager for Pan African Oil Ltd and was involved in the company’s listing on the Toronto Venture Exchange before it merged with Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas.
Outside the upstream sector, he is founder and managing director of Eliko Advisory Services, which advises companies on market entry, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement across the energy, mining and industrial sectors. He is also involved in the Atlantic Gateway Industrial Park near Walvis Bay, a development aimed at supporting Namibia’s emerging oil and gas supply chain.
The appointment marks Pivotree’s latest move to establish a stronger African footprint as Namibia and Angola continue attracting billions of dollars in offshore investment, with both countries expected to play an increasingly important role in global oil and gas supply over the coming decade.
