Sostenus Wilherm
The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) has called for intensified investment in skills development, local employment and business capacity as Namibia moves closer to commercial oil and gas production, warning that the country’s emerging petroleum industry must translate into tangible opportunities for Namibians.
PETROFUND chief executive officer Nillian Mulemi said the industry’s success should not only be measured by oil production and investment, but by its ability to create jobs, improve living standards and stimulate the growth of local businesses.
Her remarks were delivered at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday under the theme, “From Decisions to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians.”
Mulemi’s speech was read on her behalf by PETROFUND head of communications and stakeholder relations, Shoki Kandjimi.
She said Namibia’s transition from exploration to development and production makes it increasingly urgent to build a workforce capable of participating meaningfully in the sector.
“At PETROFUND, we remain committed to investing in what we proudly call ‘barrels of skills and opportunities’ to develop a globally competitive workforce,” Mulemi said.
She revealed that PETROFUND has signed more than 10 strategic memoranda of understanding with oil and gas operators and service companies.
Through these partnerships, more than 60 Namibians have already secured internships and employment opportunities.
Among the beneficiaries are 23 Namibians employed by TechnipFMC Namibia, with training opportunities provided in Ghana, Nigeria and France.
Another 13 Namibians are participating in the second year of an on-the-job training programme with SBM Offshore in India after completing their initial year of training in Malaysia.
Three Namibians have also been permanently employed by Subsea7 as remotely operated vehicle pilot technicians and deployed internationally, while another three candidates are expected to begin training in September.
Mulemi said companies including Yinson Production, Halliburton, SLB, Baker Hughes and BW Energy are also contributing to skills development and recruitment opportunities for Namibians.
She urged more operators and service companies to open their doors to Namibians through internships, workplace exposure and employment, particularly as the industry prepares for offshore operations, rigs and future floating production, storage and offloading facilities.
PETROFUND has also invested approximately N$160 million in educating and training more than 500 Namibians through undergraduate, postgraduate, technical and vocational programmes.
More than 83 graduates have specialised in critical petroleum and energy-related disciplines.
At the vocational level, Yinson Production has fully funded 16 Namibians for Offshore Deck Cadet Training at the South African Maritime Training Academy in Simon’s Town, while Chevron has funded 13 Namibians to study welding, fitting and turning at the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology.
Mulemi said PETROFUND aims to support more than 100 Namibians through scholarships in priority fields during 2026, with technical and vocational skills expected to become increasingly important as production approaches.
Beyond skills development, PETROFUND is seeking to prepare local businesses to compete for opportunities in the petroleum value chain.
With N$1 million in financial support from FirstRand Group Namibia, the fund hosted its first Upstream Oil and Gas Local Suppliers’ Workshop in April.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the technical, operational and compliance capabilities of Namibian micro, small and medium enterprises while familiarising them with procurement requirements and industry standards. A second workshop is planned for the final quarter of the year.
Mulemi also promoted PetroConnect, PETROFUND’s digital CV repository and talent-matching platform, which allows qualified Namibians to create professional profiles and upload their credentials free of charge.
She said greater use of the platform by operators and service providers would help companies identify local talent while addressing critical skills shortages.
PETROFUND is also expected to announce its 2027 upstream oil and gas scholarships in the coming weeks, with Mulemi encouraging eligible Namibians to apply.
She said Namibia’s oil and gas resources could become a foundation for long-term economic development if government, industry, training institutions and local businesses work together to ensure that Namibians have the skills, experience and opportunities needed to participate in the sector.
“Together, we must ensure that Namibians are equipped with the skills, experience and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in this emerging sector,” she said.
