By Julien Karambua
Namibia is well positioned for significant growth and transformation. With major oil and gas discoveries in the Orange Basin and a 40-well drilling campaign by Total, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in 2026, the country has a unique opportunity to redefine its economic landscape. To support long-term prosperity, however, it is essential that the right choices are made now. Logistics, construction, catering and other support services have already seen increased activity, and if this is managed wisely, it could have a widespread positive effect on GDP and employment. This will require inclusive planning, policy reform and a commitment to skills development to ensure sustainable economic reform.
Investing in skills to foster job creation
The oil and gas industry’s greatest promise lies in job creation across the value chain. Early momentum has focused on accessible, semi-skilled roles such as entry-level workers and support staff. These jobs are essential, but for long-term sustainability it is vital to also invest in higher-skilled roles such as engineers, drilling managers, and project leaders, and to ensure robust skills transfer takes place.
While internships, technical training, and engineering placements are already underway, these must be scaled. Inclusive development means ensuring that opportunities reach all Namibians. The roadshows being conducted by companies like TotalEnergies and Namcor are a step in the right direction. Engaging communities across the regions not only fosters transparency, it ensures local needs are reflected in national strategies.
Learning from history to avoid pitfalls
The potential for growth as a result of these significant oil and gas discoveries is massive, but history demonstrates that there is a risk of becoming over-reliant. Namibia must learn from the experiences of countries like Nigeria, where weak regulatory oversight led to environmental degradation and lost public trust. Angola also provides a lesson on the dangers of centralised control and the need for local content development. On the positive side, Norway provides a model of how to manage wealth transparently, invest in the future and ensure that the benefits of natural resources are widely shared.
There are also environmental risks inherent in the oil and gas sector including carbon emissions and the far-reaching effects of oil spills on marine wildlife. Namibia cannot afford to treat sustainability as a tick-box exercise. Robust monitoring, strict operator accountability, and full environmental integration at every stage of development will be key.
The solution lies in building strong, transparent institutions. Regulatory frameworks must balance the need for investment with environmental protection and social impact. They must enforce local employment quotas, set clear environmental standards, and ensure oil revenues are reinvested in long-term development.
A springboard for economic transformation
The world is increasingly focused on the transition away from fossil fuels, so there is a finite window of opportunity for Namibia to take advantage of oil and gas resources. Investment in human capital and infrastructure must be a priority, and skilled artisans like welders, electricians and riggers need to be upskilled and certified to meet industry standards. Ports must be expanded, and housing shortages in Namibia need urgent attention. In addition, power infrastructure must keep pace with industrial demand.
Sustainable economic growth requires revenues to be channelled into infrastructure, healthcare, education, and most importantly, economic diversification. This is already in progress, with renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen initiatives, underway and more in the pipeline. Tourism, agriculture and manufacturing are also seeing renewed interest. These sectors must be nurtured as the demand for fossil fuels falls away in future generations.
Learning from history and investing strategically will serve not only the oil and gas sector, but the broader economy. With the right regulations in place, as well as inclusive policies, and investments aimed at developing a resilient, diversified economy, Namibia can build an industry that doesn’t just create wealth, it uplifts the nation.
Julien Karambua is Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia