Namibia’s youth are ready and capable to drive oil and gas projects, a panel during the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) in Windhoek underscored.
The country has seen a strong pipeline of discoveries made in recent years, with first oil production set for 2030. As discoveries transition into developments, opportunities for youth in the sector are expected to grow exponentially.
“We want to be seen as the future leaders of the industry. We want to be the driving force behind these resources and the sustainable and equitable distribution of these resources. The hot topic right now is local content policy. As youth, we understand what that means. While the topic is still hot, we should engage with key stakeholders and experts in the industry,” stated Sarti Shikongo, Secretary General, Namibia Youth Energy Forum.
While the country’s local content policy is currently in its draft stage, policies have been put in place across various industries that promote the participation of Namibians in the industry – including the youth. According to Nillian Mulem, CEO, Petroleum Training and Education Fund, “When we talk about the participation of young people in the economy, we have to understand that they are the future of the economy. Participation should not be an after-thought but a conversation we should carry across all stages of the economy.”
Nyeuvo Amukushu, Founding Director, Women in Oil, Gas and Energy Namibia and CSR Impact Designer, believes that “Namibian youth are qualified, capable and have the skills, [but] there is a need for building a bridge between the current leaders and the youth that want to get into the sector. We want to introduce those platforms of bringing [leaders] and youth to the conversation.”
Echoing these remarks, Fanuel Shinedima, Founder of the Namibia Youth Energy Forum, said, “As young people, let us start our own platforms. There are business opportunities that we can take up ourselves. We need to upskill ourselves and make sure we have the relevant skills.”
Through skills development, Namibia’s youth stand to enhance their role and contribution to the emerging oil and gas industry. According to Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of Association of Oil Marketing Companies, “the government has no choice but to include you in the decision making, and that starts with training. There should be a deliberate effort to include the youth. You don’t just start drilling; you have to learn. What I would advise the youth is to be ready to be trained.”
Similarly, Gawie Kanjemba, International Fellow at the African Energy Chamber, stated that “We need to include ourselves in the conversation. We know people, especially in Namibia, who have upskilled themselves who are still not included at the table. We need to come up with a strategy as young people so that we assist our elders to pass down the torch.”
Energy Capital & Power is a media partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.nieconference.com/.