The Youth in Oil and Gas Summit, held at the Naraville Community Hall on July 27th, marked a significant milestone in the Namibian oil and gas sector. This pioneering event brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiastic youth to foster career guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities in the dynamic oil and gas industry.
A vision realised
Founded and convened by Justina Erastus, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in Namibia, the Summit exceeded expectations and set a new standard for similar future events. The Summit’s mission and vision are to provide a transparent platform for previously disadvantaged Namibian youth, guiding them towards lucrative career pathways in the oil and gas sector. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the unwavering support of sponsors, speakers, and partners.
Distinguished speakers and insightful panels
The Summit featured a diverse group of distinguished speakers and panelists, including:
Quintin Simon, Namibian Country Manager at Aurex Constructors, shared his expertise on project planning and logistics management. Quintin is an entrepreneur and a consultant providing specialised expert services to the maritime, oil, and gas sectors in Namibia.
Julien Karambua, Country Manager of Workforce Staffing Namibia, provided insights on business development and operational excellence.
Laimi Ndilimeke Shigwedha, an international business development expert at Nikham Energy, offered valuable perspectives on navigating career pathways in the energy sector.
Tari Profijt, ex-director of Walvis Bay Diving and Salvage, has been immersed in the world of commercial diving since childhood, inspired by her father, who ran a successful business in the field.
Ekkehard Friedrich, founder of Shepherds Tree Investments, a deeply rooted Namibian strategy and transaction advisory firm with global reach.
Nyeuvo Amukushu, A Gen Z creative, purpose-driven individual passionate about creating shared value in the mining and energy sectors. Leveraging a unique skill set that integrates strategy, policy, and communications, she excels in both the design and execution of social responsibility programs. Currently, she serves as one of the founding directors of Women in Oil, Gas, and Energy Namibia (WOGEN Namibia).
Daniel Malherbe, A distinguished senior associate at Dr. Weder Kauta and Hoveka Incorporated Namibia and a founding member of the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers (NAOGSP). Daniel’s extensive expertise in the legal and industrial landscape makes him a leading authority in the field.
Ivolene Van Reenen, Inspecting Manager at RITC NAMIBIA, an authorised Inspection Authority accredited by SANAS South Africa for the inspection, testing, and certification of boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems. Ivolene has a robust skill set and extensive experience in commissioning, project engineering, petrochemical industries, pressure vessels, and non-destructive testing (NDT). She stands as a leading figure in her field.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, who joined us virtually and gave an encouraging message to our audience on transforming Namibia with our knowledge about oil and gas, skills, and whose endorsement and sponsorship significantly bolstered the Summit’s success.
The Summit was made possible through the generous contributions of our sponsors:
Walvis Bay Diving and Salvage, which sponsored our audio-visual and sound requirements, ensuring a seamless event experience.
African Energy Chamber, whose financial support and commitment to advancing youth in the energy industry were instrumental.
Inspec Technical Services, the leading indigenous Namibian Asset Integrity Management company, covered our photography and videography expenses.
A platform for the future
The Youth in Oil and Gas Summit is just the beginning of an amazing and successful era. Our journey has been one of late nights, sacrifices, and relentless pursuit of a beautiful vision. This summit is dedicated to our families, friends, and all the sponsors and partners who believed in our mission. The way forward involves continuous collaboration with service and operator companies, educators, and the Namibian and African nations to pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future in the oil and gas sector.
A call to action
As we move forward, we issue a call to action to all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including government bodies such as the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, and SME Development, and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and National Service. It is imperative that we collectively support the youth in their pursuit of success within this crucial extractive industry. The development and prosperity of our nation’s future leaders depend on our willingness to invest in their education, training, and professional growth. There is much work to be done.
The famous quote by Dr. Abraham Iyambo, the late Namibian Minister of Education, resonates deeply with our mission: “Education is the greatest equalizer.” It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, and the child of a farm worker can become the President of a great nation.” This powerful statement underscores the transformative potential of education and its ability to level the playing field, allowing every Namibian youth to dream big and achieve greatness, regardless of their background.
The Youth in Oil and Gas Summit stands as a beacon of opportunity, highlighting the critical role that education, mentorship, and industry support play in shaping the next generation of professionals. We call upon service and operator companies, educational institutions, and governmental agencies to continue fostering an environment where young talents can thrive. By doing so, we can collectively pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future in the oil and gas sector, ensuring that Namibia’s youth are well-equipped to lead and innovate in this vital industry.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our plans for the official inauguration event of the Youth in Oil and Gas Association by 2025. This ambitious goal aims to solidify our commitment to empowering young Namibians and fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative industry. We are counting on the continued support of all stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to realise this vision. Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future, not just for the industry but for the youth who will lead it. Let us work hand in hand to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that the youth have the skills, opportunities, and platform to thrive in the dynamic world of oil and gas.