Angolan firm urges skills for Namibia oil future
By Sostenus Wilherm
An Angolan-based shipping and off- shore logistics company, Promaritima Offshore LDA, says it is ready to bring its experience to support Namibia’s oil and gas ambitions.
In an interview with Confidente, Promaritima’s country manager, Jorge Carvalho, outlined how the company intends to contribute to Namibia’s evolving energy narrative and the importance of local partnerships and skills development.
Carvalho said Promaritima, which has operated in Angola for over a decade, is seeking to extend its footprint into Namibia at a time when global attention is shifting towards the country’s offshore discoveries.
According to Carvalho, Namibia’s emergence as a frontier oil and gas destination presents an opportunity for knowledge transfer and regional collaboration.
“We are trying to extend our activities in Namibia since it is a pioneer in the oil and gas industry and we are bringing our skills and our experience to build up together with Namibians,” Carvalho explained. He added that the company is already engaging with key industry players operating in Namibia, including TotalEnergies and Azule Energy, as part of efforts to establish a presence in the local market.
“That is why we are here working with TotalEnergies and Azule Energy and for sure we have a very good opportunity to grow. I do believe that soon, Namibia will become booming,” he said.
Promaritima has not yet formalised partnerships with Namibian companies, however Carvalho confirmed that discussions are underway, particularly with the national oil company, NAMCOR.
He stressed that local content requirements will be central to any investment strategy in Namibia, noting that government policy is increasingly prioritising the inclusion of Namibian businesses and workers.
“I understand from the President’s speech that local content is a key point. So it means that all investment coming to Namibia must include partnerships, mainly relating to lo- cal content and it will be our pleasure to do that.”
Beyond investment and partnerships, Carvalho delivered a strong message to Namibians, particularly the youth, urging them to prepare for the demands of a rapidly evolving oil and gas industry.
“I would like to leave one recommendation for your citizens in Namibia, please upgrade your knowledge, your background and young people must be ready because challenges will come soon.”
He cautioned that local content policies alone will not guarantee employment opportunities unless the workforce is adequately skilled.
According to him, competitiveness in the industry will depend on readiness and capability rather than nationality alone.
“It is not just a question of being local but being ready for the challenge. If you are not ready, you will be left behind. It’s not about being in Namibia to get a job but everyone must be ready for the next journey we are about to embark on.”
Carvalho further stated that, Namibia stands on the brink of transformation, but success will depend not only on investment but also on the readiness of its people.
