Staff Writer
Presidential advisor and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Kornelia Shilunga, has warned that Namibia’s growing oil and gas opportunity comes with a responsibility to ensure citizens are prepared to participate in the sector.
She delivered this message at the launch of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund’s (Petrofund) new brand and refurbished head office in Windhoek this week.
Shilunga said recent discoveries in the Orange Basin and the announcement from ReconAfrica on the Kavango West 1X well have repositioned Namibia as an emerging petroleum player.
She said the sector carries the potential to reshape the economy for generations, but only if Namibians participate meaningfully in every stage of the petroleum value chain.
The government is finalising the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, which aims to increase Namibian involvement.
She explained that Petrofund’s new identity shows that the institution is keeping pace with rapid changes in the industry and is ready to support skills development.
Shilunga also introduced PetroConnect, a national skills database that will give companies, regulators and training institutions real-time access to Namibian talent.
She said the platform will support coordinated and data-driven workforce planning as the country prepares for upstream petroleum activities.
She said the long-term benefits of the sector will depend on the skills and creativity of Namibians, and that petroleum resources must support inclusive growth and strengthen the economy.
Speaking at the same event, minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse said the new Petrofund brand reflects the country’s commitment to building local expertise.
He said the institution is entering a new phase as Namibia awaits key investment decisions from operators and that the new brand will raise public awareness of PETROFUND’s role.
He officially launched PetroConnect, which replaces the old manual CV system that received about 8 500 submissions.
The new system will allow companies to identify suitable candidates more easily. He encouraged Namibians to register for free and urged oil and gas companies to subscribe to the platform.
He said subscription fees will help sustain the system while linking employers and job seekers.
Petrofund has invested more than N$115 million in training over 400 Namibians since 1992.
More than 70 trainees completed specialised programmes required for exploration, development and decommissioning.
