Bank Windhoek recently announced the appointment of Deolinda Shikalepo as its new Head of Procurement, effective 1 January 2026.
Shikalepo is an accomplished professional with more than a decade of experience in procurement, covering contract management and compliance, supplier relationship management and tender administration across a variety of industries, including financial services, manufacturing and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). She progressed from hands-on roles in operational procurement to senior strategic leadership positions, overseeing high-value contracts, leading complex tender processes and implementing cost-efficiency initiatives.
Throughout her career, Shikalepo has cultivated a comprehensive skill set that bridges operational proficiency and strategic insight. This encompasses strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier performance management and oversight of highly regulated procurement processes.
As Head of Procurement, Shikalepo will provide strategic direction, governance oversight and leadership for Bank Windhoek’s procurement function. Her responsibilities span the entire procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, contracting, supplier relationship management and policy implementation. A central aspect of her role is to maintain procurement processes that are transparent, ethical and aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives.
Shikalepo will lead the procurement department in supporting the Bank’s operations by overseeing sourcing activities, ensuring compliance with governance standards and maintaining robust supplier relationships.
Committed to continuous learning, Shikalepo, a Candidate Legal Practitioner, is currently pursuing an LLM in International Commercial and Technology Law at the University of Manchester, England. She also holds a Diploma in Procurement and Supply from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, an LLB (Honours) from the University of Namibia and a BBA from the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
Bank Windhoek’s Chief Financial Officer and Interim Specialist Finance Executive Officer, Zenaune Kamberipa welcomed her appointment, noting that the procurement function plays a vital role in supporting the Bank’s operational and strategic objectives. He highlighted the
importance of strengthening governance, supporting supplier development and ensuring efficiency and compliant procurement practices. “Shikalepo is committed to elevating procurement into a strategic, value-driven function, further enhancing transparency, process improvement and best-practice standards to mature the Bank’s procurement capabilities, he said.
In her remarks, Shikalepo indicated that her commitment is to build a procurement function that is both strategic and people centred. She further described her leadership style as collaborative and structured, focused on empowering teams, strengthening accountability and fostering open communication. “My goal is to position procurement as a strategic enabler that consistently adds value and strengthens the Bank’s governance and resilience. I want to enhance compliance, supplier development and operational efficiency through structured and ethical procurement practices,” she said.
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