Main Environmental Managers in the Namibian GovernmentWith Focus on Oil & Gas Regulators
- 13 October 2025
- Posted by: Mikki Hall
- Category: energy excellence
Namibia’s environmental management and regulation of the oil and gas sector is overseen by a network of ministries, directorates and statutory offices. Below is a comprehensive list of the main government managers and regulatory bodies, with a particular focus on those directly involved in oil and gas oversight.
1 Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)
Role:
The MEFT is the principal government body responsible for environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, protected areas, and the overall environmental regulatory framework in Namibia. It is also the authority that issues Environmental Clearance Certificates for oil and gas projects and oversees compliance with the Environmental Management Act (EMA).
Key Managers and Offices:
- Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: the political head of the ministry, responsible for policy direction and high-level oversight.
- Environmental Commissioner: a statutory position established under the Environmental Management Act (EMA), responsible for administering the EIA process, issuing Environmental Clearance Certificates, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations for all sectors, including oil and gas
- Department of Environmental Affairs and Forestry (DEAF): manages environmental assessments, waste management, pollution control, and compliance inspections. Key divisions include:
- Division of Environmental Assessment, Waste Management and Pollution Control, and Inspections
- Division of Environmental Information and Natural Resource Economics
- Division of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA)
2 Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME)
Role:
The MME is the main regulatory authority for the oil and gas sector in Namibia. It is responsible for issuing and administering petroleum licences, overseeing exploration and production, and ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and environmental standards specific to the oil and gas industry.
Key Managers and Offices:
- Minister of Mines and Energy: the political head of the ministry, with authority over all mining and energy policy and regulation, including oil and gas.
- Executive Director (Permanent Secretary): senior civil servant responsible for the ministry’s day-to-day operations.
- Directorate of Petroleum Affairs: the main technical and regulatory body for upstream oil and gas activities.
- Directly responsible for the regulation of oil and gas exploration, development, and production.
- Oversees the issuance of licences, compliance monitoring, and enforcement of sector-specific regulations
- Petroleum Commissioner: appointed by the Minister, this official is responsible for technical oversight and regulatory compliance in the petroleum sector
3 Namibia Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR)
Role:
NAMCOR is the national oil company of Namibia. While it has a commercial mandate, it also plays a supporting role in regulatory and technical oversight, particularly in joint ventures and state participation in oil and gas projects.
Key Managers and Offices:
- Managing Director/CEO: leads NAMCOR and represents the state’s interests in oil and gas projects.
4 Ancillary Rights Commission
Role:
This statutory body, established under the Petroleum Act, addresses disputes between petroleum licence holders and landowners, particularly for onshore oil and gas activities. It ensures that land access and surface rights issues are resolved in accordance with the law.
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5 Other Relevant Environmental and Advisory Bodies
- Sustainable Development Advisory Council: advises the government on sustainable development and environmental management, including in the extractive sectors
- Ombudsman: investigates complaints related to environmental degradation and overutilization of natural resources
6 Recent Developments and Emerging Units
- Upstream Petroleum Unit: a newly formed unit within the MME, currently reviewing and updating the regulatory framework for oil and gas, with a focus on environmental management and sustainability
Summary Table: Main Environmental Managers and Oil & Gas Regulators
|
Institution/Body |
Key Manager/Office |
Main Functions in Oil & Gas Regulation |
|
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) |
Minister; Environmental Commissioner |
Environmental policy, EIA process, compliance, clearance certificates |
|
Department of Environmental Affairs and Forestry (DEAF) |
Director; Division Heads |
Environmental assessments, waste management, pollution control |
|
Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) |
Minister; Executive Director; Director of Petroleum Affairs; Petroleum Commissioner |
Licensing, technical regulation, compliance, sector oversight |
|
Namibia Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR) |
Managing Director/CEO |
State participation, technical support, joint ventures |
|
Ancillary Rights Commission |
Chairperson/Commissioners |
Land and surface rights dispute resolution |
|
Sustainable Development Advisory Council |
Council Chair |
Policy advice on sustainable development |
|
Upstream Petroleum Unit (MME) |
Unit Head |
Regulatory review and reform |
|
Ombudsman |
Ombudsman |
Investigates environmental complaints |
How to Find Current Officeholders
- Official Government Websites:
- Leadership/Contact Pages:
- These pages typically list current ministers, commissioners, directors, and other key officials.
- Recent Press Releases:
- Government announcements and annual reports often mention new appointments or changes in leadership.
Conclusion
The main environmental managers in the Namibian government, with a focus on oil and gas regulation, are found within the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (notably the Environmental Commissioner and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Forestry), the Ministry of Mines and Energy (especially the Directorate of Petroleum Affairs and the Petroleum Commissioner), and supporting bodies such as NAMCOR and the Ancillary Rights Commission. These entities collectively ensure that oil and gas activities are regulated in accordance with Namibia’s environmental laws and policies.