Kagola believes each achievement is significant

Octavia Tsibes
Justicia Shipena



Leena Ndahafa Kagola is the learning and development practitioner responsible for marine training at Namport.

Her role includes analysing learning and development needs, followed by the planning, implementation and monitoring of learning and development interventions for the realisation of the company’s organisational strategy.

She is also seconded to the new container terminal project team as the human resources project coordinator and is responsible for manpower planning.

“This function enables the placement of the right talent at the right place and time for optimum performances,” she said.

Kagola started working for Namport in November 2008 as an HR assistant and progressed up the ranks to the current role she occupies.

She recently obtained a master of science degree in maritime affairs, specialising in maritime education and training, from the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden.

In addition she holds a master of business administration degree from Regent Business School.

Through the International University of Management she completed her honours degree in human resource development and management. She also completed an international diploma in logistics and transport management at the Namibian-German Center of Logistics (NGCL).

Kagola has undergone a supervisory development programme with Unam and obtained a certificate in public management and governance through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).She further obtained professional training in port management with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNTACD).

Kagola told Careers she believes that each achievement is significant, but says her most outstanding achievements during her career path so far was obtaining two masters degrees at a relatively young age.

She also mentioned her secondment to Namport’s biggest project - the port expansion.

Kagola said the biggest challenge she faces at her workplace is representing different stakeholders with a variety of stakes or interests in the project, which requires sound interpersonal skills coupled with a comprehensive understanding of organisational culture and port operations.

“I always perceive problems as opportunities for growth,” she said.

Besides being in the office, she enjoys reading and mentoring young people.

“It is my passion and it’s something I want to expand going forward, so that I make continuous positive impacts among our youth.”

In line with youth empowerment she has established the Monday professional network at Namport called ‘Lunch and Learn’.