Mwaka Christinah Shivula
Namibia’s economy is rapidly evolving, with new industries such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy taking shape.
These sectors present immense opportunities for growth, employment, and innovation, especially for the youth. However, as these industries expand, a key question arises: Are we, as Namibians, ready to take up the opportunities that come with them?
Many young people have already completed their qualifications in areas like accounting, economics, education, or business management.
But with the fast-paced nature of global technological and industrial change, the reality is that some qualifications may no longer be enough on their own.
This is not to say that existing degrees or diplomas have lost their value rather, they need to be complemented by relevant skills that match emerging market demands.
For too long, the national conversation has centered on a “skills crisis”, but perhaps we should change the narrative. Namibia does not have a crisis of talent, we have a crisis of alignment.
Take Elina, for example, she holds an accounting qualification from a local institution and dreams of joining Namibia’s growing green hydrogen sector.
Does this mean she must go back to university for another full degree? Absolutely not. Instead, Elina can take a short, focused course on financial management for renewable energy projects, sustainability reporting, or environmental accounting.
With this additional skill set, she becomes an asset to the industry, bridging her academic background with future-ready expertise.
At conferences across these emerging industries, opportunity is visible everywhere, yet the deepest, most specialized roles are too often filled from abroad. This is not a verdict on the capability of Namibian youth, it is evidence of a structural mismatch in our training pipeline.
When the most specialized roles in Namibia’s emerging industries are filled by talent from abroad, young Namibians miss critical opportunities to develop advanced skills and gain high-level experience.
This can lead to a brain drain, as underprepared local professionals may seek opportunities elsewhere, widening the domestic skills gap.
Additionally, the economy loses out on retaining talent, and local innovation suffers when those who understand Namibia’s unique context are sidelined. Over time, this reliance on foreign expertise can make industries less resilient and may discourage youth from pursuing careers in these high-growth sectors.
To Namibia’s youth: the future is not waiting, it’s calling. Stay informed about the sectors shaping our economy, from green hydrogen and climate finance to artificial intelligence, oil &gas and renewable energy.
Don’t view your current qualification as a limitation, but as a stepping stone. Seek out short courses, certifications, and mentorship opportunities that build on what you already know.
Embrace technology as a daily tool, not a distant skill. Network widely, share ideas, and stay curious. The world no longer rewards what you know, but how fast you can adapt, learn, and apply what you know.
Be proactive by preparing yourself for opportunities before they appear and position yourself as a capable and adaptable contributor to Namibia’s economic future. Namibia’s emerging industries are filled with potential, but that potential can only be realized if the youth are ready.
Mwaka Christinah Shivula is an Economics Lecturer at the International Training College- Lingua, a passionate climate change advocate, and a World Food Forum (WFF)-FAO representative from Namibia. She champions youth-led initiatives, sustainable development, and environmental resilience. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of International Training College Lingua. Mwaka Christinah Shivula Lecturer | Climate Change Advocate | Youth Leader | WFF -FAO Representative
cshivula@gmail.com
