Jakobina Junias

Job Title: Founding Partner & CEO

Company: Amperra Charging Company

Country: Namibia

What exactly do you do in your current job?

I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Amperra Charging Company, where I lead the development of renewable-powered EV charging infrastructure across Namibia and the region. My role spans strategy, partnerships, policy engagement, and project development, working with utilities, regulators, tourism operators, and communities to enable clean, accessible electric mobility.

What inspired you to start working in sustainable energy?

I was inspired by the intersection of climate change, inequality, and infrastructure gaps in Africa. Seeing how unreliable energy systems limit economic opportunity, especially for women and young people, motivated me to work on solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.

Can you tell us about how you got started working in energy?

As a graduate of the University of Namibia, I’ve transitioned from social work into pioneering sustainable electric vehicle (EV) solutions as the CEO of Amperra Charging Company. I became deeply interested in sustainable mobility and energy systems. I then went further and deeper into hands-on work by co-founding Amperra Charging, participating in climate and energy accelerator programs, engaging with policy institutions, and working directly on EV infrastructure, minigrids, and renewable-powered transport projects.

What do you love about working in the sustainable energy sector?

I love that the work creates real, visible impact. Sustainable energy improves lives, by reducing costs, creating jobs, protecting ecosystems, and giving communities more control over their future. It’s also a sector where innovation, policy, and purpose come together in a very tangible way.

What advice or encouragement would you give to girls and young women considering a career in sustainable energy?

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start where you are, ask questions, and take up space. Sustainable energy needs diverse voices and perspectives, especially from women. Build your skills, find mentors, and remember that your lived experience is an asset, not a limitation, in shaping the future of energy.

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