Progress Kashandula
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Progress Kashandula, has over 16 years of work experience with over 13 years worked in the biomass industry specifically in senior capacity of managing sustainable bush harvesting, biomass production, processing, and utilisation projects. Previously, was the Operations Manager of the pioneer bush to energy project called Energy for Future at Ohorongo Cement and General Manager of the Debushing Advisory Service under the MEFT/GIZ Bush Control and Biomass Utilisation Project. He is a member of the NTA Agriculture Skills Committee representing Forestry specifically on bush biomass activities, he has played a vital role in the development and implementation of a capacity building aspect of the Namibian Biomass Industry called Debushing Advisory Service. He has a business background with a bachelor’s Degree and National Diploma majoring in Marketing Management, some capacity building training in environment and project management with a Master of Leadership and Change Management from the University of Science and Technology (NUST). He brings a wealth of experience in strategic and operational management mainly in managing environmental fieldwork, biomass production, and processing, developing and implementation of organisational strategic business plans including overseeing organisational operations. He is responsible for overseeing the successful implementation of N-BiG strategic business plan, vision, and direction of the organisation and biomass sector at large.
Daniel Shagama
Operations Manager
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Natural Resource Management Honors Degree in Nature Conservation and a National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (Nature Conservation). He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in natural resources management at Namibia University of Science and Technology. With a combination of experience in various industries, Daniel has worked in the eco-tourism industry, biomass industry, and wildlife management. Specifically, he has worked for Ohorongo Cement’s Energy for future as a Biomass/Environmental part-time consultant for a period of two years. Additionally, he has over eight years of experience in protected areas management, having been a former employee of MEFT. This has provided him with extensive networking opportunities with stakeholders in natural resources management across the public and private sectors. Daniel’s primary interest lies in sustainable development and utilization of natural resources to derive benefits from them. He is responsible for overseeing the successful business development, organization, execution, and completion of all projects that support N-BiG’s main objectives, these projects are in N-BiG’s advisory services, opening new economic opportunities, income generation projects and support to member activities.
Dr Detlef Virchow
International Business Expert/Advisor
Utilizing synergies between the different issues and aspects of sustainable biomass production and use for the benefit of the people concerned and the environment is at the core of Detlef’s thinking and work, based on various experiences in natural resource management and bioeconomy, rural and regional development, food and nutrition security, and the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity. Detlef gained management experience as Executive Director of the Food Security Center at the University of Hohenheim / Germany, as Director of the Regional Center for Africa of AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center in Tanzania and as Program Director at Plan International Germany. At N-BiG, Detlef is now supporting the implementation of N-BiG’s collaboration with the German BioEnergy Association (BBE) to strengthen N-BiG contributing to the growth of the bioeconomy sector in Namibia. This collaboration is funded by BMZ through sequa.
Fransina Andreas
Finance and Administration Officer
Fransina is a professional holding a Diploma in Accounting and Finance, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. With a diverse background in multiple industries including the medical, non-governmental, and construction sectors, she has accrued valuable experience. Specifically, she has served in an NGO for 2 years and worked for 9 years in the construction industry in the capacity of an Accountant. Her expertise spans across finance management and efficient business operations.
Abigail Goliath
Receptionist and administration assistant
Abigail Goliath joined the Namibia Biomass Industry Group in February 2024, with a background in Client Services and Office Administration for close to 20 years, majority of the years she spent in the Travel & Tourism Sector in various capacities. Her priority is to ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the N-BIG office and that members and clients inquiries are attended to in a professional and efficient manner
Julian Nakanyala
Knowledge Management and Communications Officer
Julian joined the Namibia biomass industry group in September 2022. She holds a degree in business management and is currently pursuing her honors in Communications. Julian is passionate about sustainability of the environment and creating awareness on how to harness issues that effect it through digital channels. Her priorities are to develop and implement effective communications activities for external customers and stakeholders. Monitor and manage database, create content and optimize it for the website, electronic newsletters, print media, and social networking sites. Maintain Consistency in tone, branding, messaging, and posting frequently via digital channels.
Jackson Shapumba Hamutenya
Senior Technical Officer
Jackson is a dedicated conservationist professional with over 4 years of experience working in the private sector. Previously, he served as a Project Support Officer for Climate Change and Adaptation under the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through the climate crowd project in the Zambezi region, Namibia. His expertise spans through wildlife management, climate change and adaptation, project management, GIS and Mapping, and community conservation honed through roles with Namibia University of Science and Technology-Biodiversity Research Centre (NUST-BRC), Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), and WWF. He holds a Masters and honours degrees in Natural Resource Management from NUST as well as a practicum Certificate in Sustainable Governance of Wildlife and Community-Based Natural Resource Management from the University of Florida, U.S.
Jackson believes in sustainable utilization of natural resources to provide resources for present generations without compromising the needs of future generations.
He joined N-BiG in March 2024, as Senior Technical Officer where he is currently supporting the implementation of technical activities that align with N-BiG’s main objectives to contribute to the growth of the organization in the biomass industry.