… A rural graduate overcomes energy poverty to become an award-winning engineer
By Feni Hiveluah
Growing up in Mausivi Village studying by candlelight, Maria Kativa Shihako defied her circumstances to become an award-winning electrical engineering graduate and her community’s first female university graduate. Now a Green Hydrogen Youth Ambassador and recipient of the prestigious Total Energies EP Namibia Scholarship to study Petroleum Engineering in France, Maria has risen to international research stages, recently beating out 6,000 applicants to be named one of 10 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders.
Q: You went from studying by candlelight in Mausivi Village to becoming an award- winning electrical engineering graduate. Looking back, what is the most profound lesson that transition taught you about resilience?
“The most profound lesson I learned is that resilience is not about never struggling; it is about refusing to let your circumstances define your future. Growing up in Mausivi Village without electricity meant studying by candlelight and often facing challenges that many students take for granted. There were moments when the journey felt impossible, but I learned that progress is often made one small step at a time. Looking back, I realize that resilience is choosing to continue even when the outcome is uncertain. My journey taught me that where you start in life does not determine where you can go. What matters most is the courage to keep moving forward despite the obstacles.”
Q: Being the first female university graduate from your community carries immense weight. How does your village community view your achievements, and what does this milestone mean to you personally?
“My community views my achievements with a great sense of pride because they see themselves reflected in my story. Many people watched me grow up, and they understand the challenges that come with pursuing education from a rural setting. Personally, being the first female university graduate from my community is not just an individual achievement; it is a symbol of possibility. It means that younger girls growing up in the village can now see someone who came from the same environment and succeeded. For me, the milestone is less about being the first and more about ensuring I am not the last.”
Q: Your research on power and energy has taken you to major platforms like the IEEE PowerAfrica Conference in Cairo. What was the core focus of your research, and how can it be practically applied to help rural areas in Namibia that still lack electricity?
“My research focused on the impact of Demand Side Management on urban electricity distribution networks. Essentially, I explored how consumers can use electricity more efficiently to reduce strain on the grid and improve overall system performance. While the case study focused on an urban setting, the principles have broader applications. By improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary demand, utilities can better utilize available resources and potentially extend services to underserved communities. As Namibia continues expanding electricity access, combining efficient energy management with renewable technologies and rural electrification initiatives can help ensure that more communities gain reliable access to power.”
Q: As a Green Hydrogen Youth Ambassador, what role do you believe young Namibians should play in positioning the country as a global clean energy hub?
“Young Namibians should not only be observers of the energy transition but active participants in shaping it. We must invest in developing technical skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy engagement. The green hydrogen industry presents opportunities that extend beyond engineering into research, environmental management, logistics, finance, and community development. Our generation has the responsibility to ensure that local talent is prepared to participate meaningfully in these emerging industries. If we invest in youth today, Namibia can build an energy sector that is not only globally competitive but also inclusive and locally driven.”
Q: You were selected as one of just 10 Young African Leaders under the Sir Cyril Taylor Program from a pool of nearly 6,000 applicants. What was that selection experience like, and what core message did you champion during the program?
“The selection was both humbling and affirming. Knowing that nearly 6,000 young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa applied made me appreciate the significance of the opportunity even more. It reminded me that impactful leadership is not defined by where you come from but by the difference you make in the lives of others. Throughout the process, the core message I championed was that access to opportunity should not depend on geography or background. My own journey demonstrates that talent exists everywhere, but opportunities do not. I believe one of our greatest responsibilities as leaders is to help close that gap.”
Q: You were also one of the youngest speakers at the Namibia International Energy Conference. Did you face any imposter syndrome walking into those high- level spaces, and how did you claim your seat at the table?
“Absolutely. Walking into a room filled with industry executives, policymakers, and experienced professionals can be intimidating, especially as a young person from a rural background. Initially, I questioned whether I truly belonged there. However, I reminded myself that my perspective was valuable precisely because my experiences were different. I had lived the realities of energy poverty and understood firsthand why energy access matters. Instead of focusing on who was in the room, I focused on what I could contribute. That shift in mindset helped me realize that I had earned my place at the table, just like everyone else.”
Q: As you prepare to head to France for your Master’s at the IFP School, what specific skills or knowledge are you most eager to bring back to Namibia?
“I am particularly excited to gain expertise in reservoir engineering, drilling operations, production engineering, and project development. Namibia is entering a historic phase in its energy sector, and there is a growing need for highly skilled local professionals who can contribute to the development of our upstream petroleum industry. Beyond the technical skills, I am also eager to learn about international best practices in safety, environmental management, and sustainable resource development. My goal is to return with knowledge that will not only strengthen my own career but also contribute to building local technical capacity within Namibia.”
Q: Confident Woman celebrates women who break boundaries. STEM fields are still heavily male-dominated; what systemic changes do you think are still needed in Namibia to ensure more young girls from rural backgrounds can follow in your footsteps?
“We need greater investment in STEM education at the grassroots level, particularly in rural schools. Many talented young girls never pursue STEM simply because they lack exposure, resources, mentors, or role models. Access to electricity, internet connectivity, science laboratories, scholarships, and mentorship programs can make a significant difference. We also need to actively challenge stereotypes that suggest certain careers are only suitable for men. Representation matters. When girls see women succeeding in engineering, science, and leadership positions, they begin to believe those opportunities are possible for them as well.”
Q: When your time in France is complete and you return home, what is the ultimate legacy you want to build for the energy sector and the youth of Namibia?
“My ultimate goal is to contribute to an energy sector that is technically strong, inclusive, and transformative for future generations. Professionally, I want to play a meaningful role in Namibia’s energy development while helping build local expertise in the petroleum sector. Beyond my career, I want to create opportunities for young people from underserved communities through mentorship, skills development, and advocacy for education and energy access. If, years from now, a young girl from a rural village believes her dreams are possible because she saw someone from a similar background succeed, then I will consider that one of my greatest achievements. My legacy will not be measured by titles or awards, but by how many lives I helped empower along the way.”
