The One Economy Foundation has announced the appointment of Laura Tjombonde as its new executive director, effective 1 January 2027. Tjombonde brings over 12 years of executive leadership experience in Namibia's public sector, with a strong background in organisational transformation, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Her extensive experience will be valuable in her new role.
Tjombonde has held several senior positions, including chief executive of the Namibia Institute of Pathology, executive of business registration services at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority, and chief of corporate affairs at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. Her qualifications include a diploma in nursing, a bachelor of law, a master's in law and business, and a postgraduate diploma in company direction. She is also a certified executive coach.
Monica Geingos, founder and executive chairperson of One Economy, expressed her confidence in Tjombonde's abilities, citing her experience in leading organisational transformation and building partnerships with stakeholders. Geingos also praised outgoing executive director Pauline Kahupi for her leadership during a period of change and a shifting funding environment. Kahupi's tenure ends on 31 December.
During Kahupi's tenure, the foundation strengthened its programmes, modernised core systems, and built greater operational resilience. The board expressed its gratitude for her leadership and noted that the foundation is entering 2027 on a stable footing. They expressed confidence that the leadership transition will enable the foundation to expand its reach and strengthen its social impact.
Tjombonde began her career as a professional nurse before moving into senior leadership positions. She stated that she joins the foundation with a bold mission: to serve and empower Namibia's young people to lead, transform, and build a future of limitless possibility. Her vision aligns with the foundation's goals of creating greater social impact.
The board praised Kahupi for laying a strong foundation for the foundation to continue to rise and create even greater social impact. The foundation aims to build on its progress and expand its reach under Tjombonde's leadership. The leadership transition is expected to be smooth, with Tjombonde set to take over on 1 January 2027.
The One Economy Foundation is set to continue its work in empowering Namibia's young people under Tjombonde's leadership. With her extensive experience and qualifications, she is well-positioned to lead the foundation into its next phase. The foundation's stakeholders will be watching its progress with interest.
Key points
- Laura Tjombonde has over 12 years of executive leadership experience in Namibia's public sector.
- Tjombonde will succeed Pauline Kahupi, whose tenure ends on 31 December.
- The foundation aims to expand its reach and strengthen its social impact under Tjombonde's leadership.
