By Justus Kamenye, Kaupahua Kamarenga, Julia Shilongo, John Awaseb, Hosea Ndemwiimba and Mirjam Amukula
Namibia’s recent offshore oil discoveries are more than just a potential game-changer; they are the gateway to a new era.
With energy giants such as Shell, TotalEnergies, Galp Energia, Qatar Energy, Impact Oil & Gas, Azule Energy, Chevron, and many more investing heavily in the Orange Basin reserves, Namibia stands on the precipice of a profound economic transformation. But let’s not be deceived: oil wealth alone does not guarantee prosperity.
In some resource-rich African countries, oil wealth has primarily benefited the elite, while a significant portion of the population continues to face economic hardship. Is this the lifeline that propels us to greatness or the anchor that drags us down?
The Government’s Responsibility: Building a Strong Foundation for Growth
Our government must act with unwavering transparency to manage oil revenues and guard against corruption. As the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) reported on February 3, 2025, we face the highest unemployment rate in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at 36.9%.
This is a clear call to action. Life teaches us lessons repeatedly, and we must learn from the experiences of others. From Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund to Saudi Arabia’s successful reforms, there are examples we can adapt to our own needs. Namibia can use oil revenues to diversify its economy, strengthen agriculture, boost exports, close the inequality gap, and improve its trade deficit.
With political tensions rising following the November 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections, the government plays a critical role in maintaining national stability. By adopting proven strategies from stable nations—such as Norway’s transparency and Botswana’s equitable distribution of resources—we can avoid the political conflicts that have plagued other resource-rich countries.
Violent conflicts arising from resource exploitation, such as those currently occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, must be prevented through sustainable and equitable management practices. The time for action is now.
New Frontiers for Namibia’s Governance and Economy
As offshore exploration unfolds, Namibia must craft regulations that meet international standards while also fostering local business development. This is a golden opportunity for Namibian businesses to thrive in the offshore sector.
The government must prioritize environmental safety, ensuring that our oceans and coastal communities remain protected. Strong regulations and effective monitoring are essential for sustainable growth.
A Call to Youth: Harnessing Education and Innovation
The youth hold the key to shaping Namibia’s future. We must equip ourselves with skills in engineering, geology, business, and technology. Universities and vocational centers should offer programs tailored to the oil and gas industry. More importantly, we must embrace entrepreneurship, building businesses that support this burgeoning sector.
We are the leaders of tomorrow, and now is the time to channel our energy, ideas, and aspirations into action. Understanding the challenges we face is half the battle; the other half is executing strategic plans that will propel Namibia to new heights. Globally, young people are driving change in the oil and gas sector: Norwegian engineers are innovating sustainable energy, U.S. entrepreneurs are pioneering energy-efficient technologies, and youth-led initiatives in Nigeria, Brazil, and Angola are creating jobs and reshaping industries. These are not just jobs; they are opportunities to innovate and ensure long-term prosperity.
Entrepreneurs: Seizing Local Growth Opportunities
The proximity of the Orange Basin to Lüderitz and Walvis Bay offers a strategic advantage for local entrepreneurs. This is our chance to build businesses that provide essential services to the offshore oil and gas industry, from transportation logistics and catering to environmental consultancy and security. Namibian businesses must meet the specific standards required for offshore operations and adapt to this new frontier.
By forming partnerships with international companies, we can build expertise, create sustainable employment, and contribute to long-term growth.
The Public’s Role: Accountability and Civic Responsibility
As citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable for how oil revenues are spent. Our country cannot afford to let wealth flow into the hands of a few. Public engagement is crucial. We must advocate for policies that promote economic diversification, local content development, and environmental sustainability.
By supporting education, infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives, we can avoid the “resource curse” and ensure that Namibia’s oil and gas industry serves the public good.
We must also hold our government accountable for maintaining transparency in the sector. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that oil revenues are used to improve the lives of every Namibian. Civic participation, collaboration with civil society organizations, and regular oversight will guide Namibia toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.
A United Vision for Namibia’s Future
The oil and gas boom is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The road to success requires diversification, transparency, and investment in human capital. If the government, businesses, youth, and citizens unite in purpose, we can use our oil wealth as a foundation for long-term prosperity.
As Marcus Aurelius said, “Blame yourself or blame no one”—the responsibility lies with us all. It is time to seize this moment, shape our nation’s future, and create a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.
The time for action is now. Let’s make the right choices today so that Namibia’s oil boom benefits every citizen, now and in the future.
Contributors:
- Julia A. Shilongo is a dedicated and driven professional with expertise in logistics, transport management, and procurement. She is currently part of the graduate training program at SBM Offshore, focusing on local content development.
- Hosea Ndemwiimba holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Namibia and is currently pursuing a Master of Sustainable Energy Systems at NUST. He holds both PMP® and CAPM® project management certifications from the Project Management Institute. With over two years of experience in project management, particularly in green hydrogen, Hosea is now a Graduate Project Engineer Trainee at SBM Offshore in Malaysia, specializing in the offshore FPSO industry.
- Justus Kamenye is a Namibian Bachelor of Electrical Engineering graduate committed to advancing Namibia’s development through innovative engineering solutions.
- Mirjam M. N. Amukula is a graduate in logistics and supply chain management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
- John J. /Awaseb is a graduate in marine engineering from the Durban University of Technology.
- Kaupahua Kamarenga holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering and is an in-training project engineer in the energy industry (SBM Offshore), dedicated to applying innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
