Windhoek: The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) has allocated approximately N$160 million to train and educate over 500 Namibians, as the nation progresses from oil and gas exploration to the production stage.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Petrofund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nillian Mulemi announced the investment during the fourth edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference held in Windhoek. Mulemi emphasized the significance of this financial commitment, stating that it supports undergraduate, postgraduate, technical, and vocational programmes under the Petrofund Namibia Scholarship Programme.

Mulemi highlighted that more than 83 beneficiaries have specialized in crucial petroleum and energy fields, which contributes to building a skilled national workforce. This effort is aligned with Namibia's goal of bolstering its emerging oil and gas industry. She emphasized the necessity of strengthening local capacity through strategic partnerships to ensure Namibians are adequately prepared for active participation in the sector.

The CEO noted that ongoing offshore discoveries and further exploration underscore the critical need for skills development and capacity building. Mulemi elaborated on Petrofund's efforts, revealing that the organization has signed over 10 strategic memoranda of understanding with various operators and service companies. These agreements are intended to create opportunities for young Namibians through internships, on-the-job training, skills development initiatives, and employment pathways.

She pointed out collaborations with firms such as TechnipFMC Namibia, SBM Offshore, Subsea7, and Yinson Production Namibia. Furthermore, companies like Halliburton, SLB, Baker Hughes, and BW Energy continue to contribute to recruitment and skills development initiatives.

Mulemi also called on more industry players to offer internships, workplace exposure, and employment opportunities to Namibians. She expressed Petrofund's aspiration to support over 100 Namibians through scholarship opportunities in priority fields by 2026. Mulemi stressed the growing importance of technical and vocational skills as the industry approaches the production phase.

In her concluding remarks, Mulemi reiterated the collective responsibility to ensure that Namibians are well-equipped with the necessary skills, experience, and opportunities to engage meaningfully in the country's emerging oil and gas sector.