By Staff Reporter
As Namibia edges closer to becoming an oil producing nation, efforts are intensifying to ensure young people are not left watching from the sidelines.
The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC) has renewed its partnership with the Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF), a move aimed at giving more young Namibians access to training, mentorship and career opportunities in the country’s fast growing energy industry.
The partnership comes ahead of the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, set for 18 to 20 August in Windhoek under the theme, “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians.”
Through the Future Generations Session and Local Content Masterclasses, students, graduates and young professionals will have the chance to engage with industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts while learning about careers across the oil and gas value chain.
Economic Association of Namibia chief executive officer Cons Karamata said Namibia cannot afford to overlook its young people as the sector expands.
“As Namibia continues to advance its oil and gas industry, developing local talent must remain a key priority,” Karamata said.
He said the programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry by giving young Namibians the knowledge, practical skills and mentorship needed to build successful careers in the sector.
Namibia Youth Energy Forum director Andreas Paulus said the renewed partnership creates a platform for young people to take part in conversations shaping the country’s energy future instead of being mere spectators.
“The continued partnership with the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference enables the Namibia Youth Energy Forum to create and expand opportunities for young Namibians to engage with the conversations, developments and opportunities shaping the country’s energy landscape,” Paulus said.
He added that meaningful youth participation is essential if Namibia wants the benefits of its oil and gas resources to reach future generations.
The conference, hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia and its partners, is expected to bring together government leaders, investors, energy companies, academics and industry experts to discuss the future of Namibia’s energy sector while creating networking and investment opportunities.
