Episode 48 : Powering Progress: Fueling Namibia’s Renewable Energy Revolution – MyEnergyLife Series

Welcome to the 48th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.

In this episode, we meet Linda Shitumbapo-Hendricks , a Head of Renewable Energy at Pupkewitz Megatech Renewable Energy Solutions . Linda Shitumbapo-Hendricks shares her story of how she got started in the energy industry, detailing her challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.

Full Name

Linda Shitumbapo-Hendricks

Current Company Name

Pupkewitz Megatech Renewable Energy Solutions

Current Job Title

Head of Renewable Energy

Specialization

Design and Supply- Solar photovoltaic systems, Solar thermal and Energy storage systems

Country of Origin

Namibia

Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Namibia , I was fortunate to secure my first job at NamPower , Namibia’s power utility, in the energy sector. As an Assistant Engineer for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects. That was my first introduction to the Energy industry. At NamPower, I worked on the project management of utility-scale solar projects and demand-side management initiatives.

After 2.5 years at NamPower, I took a bold step to pursue a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Upon completing my studies, I returned to my home country. My goal has always been to leverage my education to advance energy access in Namibia and Africa.

Six months after returning home, I joined Pupkewitz Megatech Renewable Energy Solutions as a Renewable Energy Stakeholder Developer. Nine months later, I was promoted to Head of Renewable Energy at the same company, where I currently hold this position.

What do you do in your current role at your company?

In my current role, I drive projects and business development for the Renewable Energy division. I maintain key stakeholder relations, ensuring the company remains a preferred partner for energy projects. I drive strategy for the division, setting clear goals and implementing plans to achieve them. I manage a team of 25 people and oversee the operations of a retail branch, ensuring that every client we serve receives excellent service.

Could you describe your typical day at work?

Finding solutions to satisfy a customer’s energy needs, ensuring we have the right product mix, and providing the right after-sales support.

“It brings me so much joy knowing that every day my work has brought light, warmth, and comfort to someone’s life.”

What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?

As a woman in a male-dominated sector, you have to shout 10x louder to be heard. Nonetheless, I shout louder. You have to be heard, because your voice is valid

What is the most fun thing you love about your work?

Meeting and helping new people every day to solve their energy needs. Educating and increasing awareness of the advantages of renewable energy in every sale we make. That is fun for me. It brings me so much joy knowing that every day my work has brought light, warmth, and comfort to someone’s life.

How do you balance work and life?

A good balance is only attainable when your work is part of your purpose and passion. When work is not a passion, it becomes a chore. And a chore can drain you so much that you will have nothing left in you to give to your family, friends,and yourself. When you do something you love, it does not drain you, and it leaves space for other areas of your life.

What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?

The ability to continuously learn and unlearn. The energy sector is moving at such a fast pace that one needs to continue upskilling to remain relevant to the industry.

What soft skills should someone in your field have?

Networking skills to keep you connected to a community of people who speak the same language, humility to keep learning, and ambition to achieve sustainable goals for our communities.

What is the best thing about your work?

Working for an entity that values energy access for all, and with a driven, long-term vision for the development of Namibia and Africa at large, is a blessing for me. I would not be where I am without the continuous support from my immediate management. Making a difference in people’s lives every day by providing solutions for their energy needs is incredibly fulfilling.

What would you consider a highlight of your career?

In 2023, I was recognized at the Africa Oil Week as one of the Top 50 Pan-African Female Leaders in Energy. That same year, I was also honored as the Diamond of the Year by the Diamond Institute. To be doing something I absolutely love without expecting any recognition, and then receive such accolades, was a highlight for me. It further emphasizes that passion is truly rewarding.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love motivating and mentoring young girls to believe in themselves and discover their purpose. I also love running marathons, reading books on leadership and the Christian faith, and eating healthy.

“Working for an entity that values energy access for all, and with a driven, long-term vision for the development of Namibia and Africa at large, is a blessing for me.”

How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?

The electrical grid does not make it to every village and household in Africa, because affordability remains a challenge. My work makes a difference, in that we allow access to affordable energy solutions tailored to the needs of our remote and rural communities. This alleviates energy scarcity one household at a time, and contributes to increasing the percentage of energy access in Africa. The sun remains our biggest natural resource.

What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?

Ask yourself why you are choosing this industry. What difference do you want to bring to the world around you? If this is for you and you can make a difference, network and learn as much as possible. Be a sponge ready to learn, learn, and learn. This is a lifelong journey of energy transition; there is no such thing as “you have arrived”.

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See you in the next article!