By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Industry experts are calling for a stronger focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure Namibians are equipped to benefit from the country’s energy revolution.
As Namibia positions itself as a future global leader in green hydrogen production and prepares for the economic opportunities emerging from its oil and gas discoveries, industry stakeholders argue that artisans and vocationally trained professionals will be critical in driving the country’s success in these sectors.
During an interview with Eagle Media House, artisan Laaza Vatilifa challenged the common perception that the future of the energy industry belongs only to engineers.
“When Namibians hear about oil and gas or green hydrogen projects, they immediately think about engineers from institutions such as UNAM, NUST or IUM. However, engineers cannot operate alone. Artisans are the people who operate, maintain and repair the machinery that keeps these industries running,” said Vatilifa.
He stressed that the country’s education and training systems must align themselves with the demands of emerging industries that are expected to drive economic growth and employment.
According to Vatilifa, the government should accelerate investment in technical skills development to ensure that young Namibians are prepared for opportunities created by large-scale energy projects.
His remarks come at a time when Namibia’s green hydrogen sector is attracting significant international investment.
The industry is expected to contribute to economic diversification, industrial development and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the production of clean energy.
The importance of skills development has also been highlighted by economist Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala, who previously told Eagle Media House that Namibia must do more to produce highly skilled professionals capable of leading the country’s resource-driven development.
Referring to the recent gold discoveries in the Damara Gold Belt by a Canadian exploration company, Hangala questioned whether Namibia is adequately utilising graduates produced by local higher education institutions.
“Where are the geologists that UNAM, NUST and IUM are producing?” Hangala queried.
He argued that Namibia must strengthen local capacity and empower graduates to play a more active role in discovering and developing the country’s natural resources.
“If we fail to build local expertise, foreign companies will continue to discover our resources, extract value from them and sell finished products back to us while we remain consumers,” he warned.
Industry leaders believe that the same lesson applies to the green hydrogen and oil sectors, where technical skills, innovation and local participation will determine how much value Namibia retains from its natural resources.
Adding to the conversation, Jona Musheko, Manager for External Affairs and Communications at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), said numerous green hydrogen-related projects are being prepared and that opportunities are emerging for both individuals and businesses.
“There are many shortlisted projects within the green hydrogen sector. Individuals and companies with the capacity to provide services should ensure that they are registered and ready to participate,” stated Musheko.
He encouraged young people to actively seek information about opportunities in the sector.
“Many young people do not read and therefore miss important information. They must seek accurate information and position themselves early for opportunities that are becoming available,” he advised.
Musheko further noted that funding has already been secured for several projects, creating opportunities for graduates from TVET institutions and other technical training centres.
“The time has come for those who studied at TVET institutions to demonstrate their skills and contribute to the country’s development,” he added.
The call for skills development is echoed by government leaders involved in Namibia’s green industrialisation strategy.
During a recent stakeholder engagement session in Lüderitz, //Kharas Region governor, Dawid Gertze, emphasised that green industrialisation must create jobs and opportunities for local people.
Gertze revealed that 90 students from the //Kharas and Hardap regions are currently enrolled at vocational training centres in preparation for careers in the emerging green industrial economy.
He stressed that Namibia must continue investing in technical skills and practical pathways into employment.
He further noted that green industrialisation extends beyond a single project and includes engineering services, logistics, fabrication, maintenance, utilities, safety services and supply chains.
As Namibia accelerates its transition into a green energy and resource-driven economy, experts agree that success will depend not only on investment and technology, but also on the country’s ability to develop a skilled workforce.
For many observers, the message is clear: engineers may design the future, but artisans, technicians and vocational graduates will be the ones who help build and sustain it.
