Namibia’s Upstream Petroleum Unit Focuses on Youth Empowerment and Regulatory Reform
Namibia is undergoing a significant transformation in its upstream petroleum sector, with the newly established Upstream Petroleum Unit leading efforts to review and enhance the country’s regulatory framework. This initiative aims to create a more effective and efficient environment for the petroleum industry, while also ensuring greater participation from the nation’s youth.
During the second edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit in Walvis Bay, Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor & Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the Namibian Presidency, emphasized the importance of this review. She highlighted that the goal is not only to develop the upstream sector but also to position young people as key players in the industry’s growth.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has expressed strong support for Namibia’s efforts, recognizing the crucial role that youth play in Africa’s energy sector. The AEC commends the Namibian government for prioritizing youth engagement and acknowledges the work of Justina Erastus, the founder of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit, for her dedication to empowering the younger generation.
This regulatory review comes at a pivotal time for Namibia, as the country aims to achieve its first oil production from the Orange Basin by 2029. The nation is attracting major international players such as TotalEnergies, Shell, Galp, and Eni, which have made significant discoveries. Ongoing drilling campaigns led by companies like Rhino Resources, BW Energy, and Chevron are setting the stage for future success in the upstream sector.
TotalEnergies is targeting a final investment decision for the Venus field by 2026, while Galp is advancing its Mopane development. These developments position Namibia as a potential global oil producer by the end of the decade.
The Upstream Petroleum Unit has committed to ensuring that the country’s upstream potential translates into opportunities for its youth. As part of the ongoing reviews, youth inclusivity and empowerment are central themes. Shilunga emphasized that under the 8th administration, youth empowerment is a national priority.
By 2024, Namibia had drilled 28 offshore oil and gas exploration wells, 15 appraisal wells, and 10 exploratory wells onshore. The country holds an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil and approximately 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, making it a rising star in the global energy market. It is essential to ensure that these resources benefit the population, especially the youth.
The imminent production of offshore oil presents numerous opportunities for young people in areas such as petroleum engineering, geosciences, offshore operations, environmental compliance, and logistics. As an emerging industry, Namibia’s petroleum sector requires innovation, infrastructure, and adaptive policies to ensure sustainable development.
With approximately 71% of Namibia’s three million residents under the age of 35, the youth represent a significant portion of the population. This figure is expected to grow, with estimates suggesting the population will exceed six million by 2050. Therefore, current policies must reflect anticipated growth trends and position the petroleum sector as a driver of economic development and job creation.
Shilunga called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure youth are at the forefront of the industry’s development. She challenged industry players to invest in capacity building, academia to align curricula with energy needs, the government to accelerate youth-focused reforms, and the youth themselves to seek knowledge and build networks.
Through collective effort, the Namibian petroleum industry can unlock long-term economic opportunities and leverage oil and gas as a catalyst for sustainable development. Shilunga emphasized that the industry’s success must be powered by integrity, courage, and inclusion, with the youth playing a vital role as both the future and present momentum.
The AEC believes that youth are essential to Africa’s petroleum industry, and Namibia’s approach to regulatory reform and youth empowerment sets a strong example for other African nations. By implementing policies that support youth involvement, Namibia is paving the way for domestic oil and gas development across the continent.
