Fanuel Shinedima, Founder & Director – Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF)

Fanuel Shinedima is a leading voice among Namibia’s emerging energy professionals and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, local content, and sustainable development. He is the Founder and Director of the Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF), a widely recognized national movement and platform dedicated to amplifying youth participation in the country’s energy transition.

As Director of NYEF, Fanuel has led the Forum’s strategic direction since inception, building partnerships locally and globally, across government, industry, and civil society to ensure that young Namibians are not only included—but central—to the energy conversation. Fanuel is a skilled and results-driven professional with proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, project management, strategic communications, and corporate social responsibility. He has a strong track record in designing and implementing impactful community development initiatives, advising on policy and research, and fostering collaborative partnerships across the public and private sectors.

Fanuel also serves in Namibia’s upstream oil and gas sector, supporting one of the country’s leading operators. His professional journey includes his previous role as Project Manager for the Energy Portfolio at Impact Tank Namibia, where he spearheaded initiatives focused on innovation, access, and youth-led development.

He also serves as a Strategic Environmental Social Assessment (SESA) Committee Member for the Namibia Green Hydrogen Valleys under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP), contributing to the development of inclusive and environmentally responsible frameworks for Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions.

In recognition of his leadership and advocacy, Fanuel was awarded the Future Leader Award at the 2024 Global African Hydrogen Summit, celebrating his work in championing youth inclusivity and driving forward Namibia’s energy transformation. Fanuel is widely regarded as a bold and forward-thinking changemaker, committed to building a future where Namibian youth are equipped, empowered, and positioned to lead across the energy value chain—from policy and innovation to project development and community impact.