Windhoek, 5 November 2025 — Monitor Exploration Limited, the UK private oil and gas company, is pleased to announce that its local Namibian company, MEL Oil & Gas Exploration (MEL Namibia), has appointed Mr. Lazarus Shigwedha to its Board of Directors, effective October 2025.
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Mr. Shigwedha brings decades of experience in investment and the resources sector across Namibia and Africa. His appointment reinforces MEL Namibia’s commitment to local participation, strategic governance, and responsible energy development.
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Robin Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of MEL Namibia, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Lazarus Shigwedha to the MEL Namibia Board. His strong connections within Namibia’s business and investment community and his deep understanding of the national energy landscape will be invaluable as MEL advances exploration across the Owambo and Nama Basins. His expertise adds both depth and local perspective to our team as we continue to develop Namibia’s onshore hydrocarbon potential.”
Mr. Lazarus Shigwedha, newly appointed Board Director of MEL Namibia and principal of Somerschield Investments, commented:
“I am excited to join the MEL Namibia Board at such a pivotal moment for the country’s oil and gas sector. Namibia is emerging as one of the most attractive energy frontiers in Africa, and the Owambo and Nama Basins present an exceptional opportunity to unlock long-term value. Through Somerschield, we are committed to deploying capital in Namibia — a stable, transparent, and increasingly strategic jurisdiction.
This investment in MEL Namibia and its underlying portfolio aligns perfectly with Somerschield’s capital allocation strategy: to back ventures with strong fundamentals, responsible leadership, and transformative potential in sectors that can contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s and Africa’s economic growth.”
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MEL Namibia and Somerschield Investments have concluded aconvertible investment agreement valued at up to USD 750,000, supporting MEL’s growth strategy and linked to a future IPO or farm-out transaction. Mr. Shigwedha’s dual role as investor and board member reinforces strategic alignment between Somerschield’s investment interests and MEL Namibia’s exploration ambitions.
The Board and management extend their warm congratulations to Mr. Shigwedha and look forward to a successful collaboration as MEL Namibia continues its mission of unlocking Namibia’s onshore oil and gas potential through technical excellence and responsible partnerships.
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About Somerschield Investments
Somerschield Investments is a Namibian-based private investment firm focused on strategic capital allocation across Africa’s high-growth sectors, including energy, natural resources, technology, and real estate. The firm is guided by principles of sustainable impact and long-term economic advancement.