• Namibia, McDermott sign deal to train locals for oil sector

• Partnership targets skills in offshore engineering and operations

• Plan aims to boost local content in oil industry to 15% by 2030
  

Namibia has advanced its local content framework by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build local talent for its emerging oil and gas industry.

The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) signed the agreement on Wednesday, October 8, with support from U.S. engineering firm McDermott International. The partnership comes as Namibia prepares to launch offshore projects following major deepwater discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies.

The collaboration will focus on developing and implementing technical, academic, and managerial training programs aligned with international industry standards. McDermott will contribute expertise in offshore engineering, construction, and operations, while PETROFUND will oversee local implementation, including selecting trainees, securing financing, and placing graduates in both public and private sector positions.

The main objective is to build a skilled Namibian workforce capable of meeting the future demands of the oil industry, particularly in the design and maintenance of petroleum infrastructure.

This partnership is the latest initiative underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to its local content policy, established under the 1991 Petroleum Act. In 2023, Namibia signed similar agreements with Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea to draw on their experience in developing domestic capacity in the hydrocarbons sector.

“Our partnership with McDermott supports PETROFUND's mandate to build the capacity of Namibia's workforce and service providers to participate in the emerging opportunities within the country's upstream oil and gas industry,” said Nillian Mulemi, head of PETROFUND.

Under its National Development Plan (NDP6 2025–2030), Namibia aims to raise local content and participation in the oil sector, currently around 10%, to 15% by 2030.

Abdel-Latif Boureima