Justicia Shipena
The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) has signed two new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost skills development in the country’s oil and gas sector.
The agreements were signed during the ongoing Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek.
One MoU was with global engineering firm McDermott, and the other was with FirstRand Namibia, which includes RMB Namibia, FNB Business, and FNB Retail.
The MoU with FirstRand Namibia marks the first local contribution by a Namibian business to Petrofund for upstream oil and gas capacity development.
Petrofund’s chief executive officer, Nillian Mulemi, said the initiative came entirely from Namibians working at both organisations.
She said the two-year strategic partnership includes a N$1 million commitment from FirstRand Namibia towards capacity development initiatives.
“This generous contribution reflects the growing recognition among Namibian companies of the vital importance of equipping our people to meaningfully participate in the oil and gas sector, fully in line with the ethos of the National Local Content Policy,” Mulemi said.
She added that the partnership goes beyond financial support.
“What stands out in this partnership is not only the institution’s traditional role of safeguarding wealth through innovative financial solutions but also its bold commitment together with RMB Namibia, FNB Business, and FNB Retail to extend financial support for both workforce development through education and training and for nurturing local suppliers. These two pillars are fundamental in ensuring that the wealth generated from this sector remains in the country,” she said.
Mulemi described the collaboration as more than a financial contribution, adding that it proves that when the public and private sectors work together with purpose.
“We can build an industry that is not only prosperous but also inclusive, sustainable and deeply rooted in national ownership,” she stated.
She added that the true legacy of Namibia’s petroleum industry will not be measured only in production volumes or revenue, but in the number of empowered Namibians driving the sector forward.
The partnership focuses on enhancing local supplier capabilities. By providing Namibian businesses and professionals with world-class training and resources, Petrofund and FirstRand Namibia aim to develop a new generation of industry leaders, retain value in the country, and boost economic potential.
The MoU with FirstRand has given in-principle approval for a co-sponsorship package totalling N$1 million, with N$500,000 allocated each year over two years.
FirstRand Namibia chief executive officer Conrad Dempsey said the partnership is about creating opportunities.
“This partnership with Petrofund reflects our long-term commitment to developing local capacity by supporting skills development, strengthening local suppliers and helping to retain in-country value. We are proud to contribute to building a future where Namibians are equipped to lead in their own energy story,” he said.
