Namibia’s leading in-house legal professionals have been recognised in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist 2026, launched in the country for the first time in partnership with law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH).
The GC Powerlist recognises senior general counsel and in-house legal leaders across sectors including financial services, telecommunications, mining, energy and the public sector.
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Managing Partner and Director Patrick Kauta said the recognition reflects the expanding role of in-house legal professionals as Namibia’s economy evolves.
“In Namibia, the role of the General Counsel has entered a period of profound expansion. General counsel operate at the intersection of economic transformation, resource development and institutional governance,” Kauta said.
He noted that increased activity in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, renewable energy and infrastructure is placing greater responsibility on legal advisors within organisations.
“As Namibia emerges as a focal point for oil and gas exploration, alongside continued growth in mining, renewable energy and infrastructure, in-house legal leaders are increasingly central to decisions that will shape not only organisational outcomes but national development trajectories,” he said.
Kauta added that environmental, social and governance considerations are also becoming more prominent, with general counsel playing a key role in ensuring companies balance commercial objectives with regulatory compliance and sustainability.
Looking ahead, he said the influence of Namibia’s general counsel is expected to grow further as organisations navigate cross-border transactions, digital risks and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
Among those recognised in the GC Powerlist were Josephine Shigwedha, Executive for Regulatory and Corporate Legal Services at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia; Melkizedek Uupindi, Chief Risk and Legal Officer at the Government Institutions Pension Fund; and Zoë Nambahu, Chief Legal Advisor and Company Secretary at NamPower.
Other professionals featured include Amanda van der Merwe, Head of Legal Advisory Services at Bank of Windhoek; Taswald July, Group Legal Advisor at First National Bank Namibia; Sigrid Tjijorokisa, Head of Legal and Governance at Standard Bank Namibia; Charmaine Burger, Head of Legal and Company Secretary at Old Mutual Namibia; Kristofine Itembu-Naunyango, Head of Legal Services and Regulatory Affairs at Telecom Namibia; and Nolan Swarts, General Counsel at the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority.
