By Charles Mambadzo
Norway transformed from a fishing economy to one of the world’s wealthiest nations through disciplined project management in the oil and gas industry. Guyana rapidly developed its oil sector through careful project management, proving smaller nations can compete globally when projects are properly managed. Australia became a major liquefied natural gas exporter through systematic project development guided by rigorous project management practices.
Namibia’s offshore oil and gas discoveries represent a transformational moment that could reshape the nation’s economic future. However, success depends critically on one decisive factor: world-class project management capabilities. The difference between joining the ranks of prosperous Petro-economies like Norway and Guyana or wasting this chance lies in how effectively Namibia manages the complex projects that will bring these resources to the market.
Infrastructure Requirements
Walvis bay must transform into a world-class marine hub, requiring project managers to coordinate port expansions, new facilities, and equipment storage while maintaining current operations. Transportation networks connecting offshore platforms to processing facilities demand expert coordination of road construction, pipeline installation, and rail expansion across multiple government agencies and international contractors.
The accompanying construction boom will see project managers orchestrating housing developments, commercial facilities, and industrial complexes while establishing supply chains that connect Namibia’s energy sector to global markets and ensure meaningful local business participation. Only experienced, professionally certified project managers possess the skills to navigate this complexity successfully.
Learning from Global Leaders
Norway has established a project management ecosystem through its Ministry of Energy, which coordinates all energy projects to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly management of resources. The Oil and Gas Department monitors development, production, and decommissioning of oil and gas fields on the Norwegian continental shelf, serving as the operational arm of the national project management office. Similarly, Guyana’s Petroleum Management Programme coordinates multiple agencies and stakeholders, managing operations from cost recovery audits to gas-to-energy initiatives across the oil and gas value chain.
Strategic Recommendations for Namibia
Namibia should establish a National Project Management Office (NPMO) to coordinate oil and gas projects with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, as well as other government national projects. This office would oversee projects from exploration to decommissioning, facilitate collaboration among government, private sector, and international partners, and develop project management standards akin to Norway’s NORSOK. The NPMO would help prevent project conflicts, optimize resource allocation, and ensure developments align with national priorities while upholding environmental and social responsibility.
Drawing from Norway’s success with industry standards, Namibia must implement mandatory certification requirements for all project management professionals working on oil and gas projects, with three tiers ranging from senior project directors requiring international certification, project managers to assistant project managers. To support local capacity building, the government should establish scholarship programs for Namibians to obtain international certifications, create mentorship programs with experienced international professionals, and require 60% of project management positions to be filled by certified Namibian professionals within five years, ensuring the nation develops world-class local expertise while maintaining international investment confidence.
The availability of natural resources does not automatically ensure success; outstanding implementation via top-tier project management will be the deciding factor in whether Namibia becomes a successful Petro-economy like Norway and Guyana or wastes this unique opportunity that comes once in a generation.
We must establish a National Project Management Office and implement professional certification requirements immediately. Oil and gas development is a national transformation that will shape our future, and skilled project managers are key to turning Namibia’s resources into lasting prosperity.
Charles Mambadzo is the COO, PMP Certified Project Manager & AI Enabler at Eden Greenfields. Views expressed are his own.