Africa-Press – Namibia. Presidential oil adviser Kornelia Shilunga has urged Namibians to reject being used as proxies or tokens in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking at a regional local content consultation held at Outapi yesterday, Shilunga warned against “fronting” to give the illusion of inclusion without receiving real empowerment or economic benefit.
“Let us all reject fronting, where locals are used as mere tokens without true empowerment,” she said.
Shilunga said Namibians should instead embrace genuine participation that uplifts them, develops communities, and strengthens the country’s economy.
Shilunga called for Namibians to foster strong partnerships – not only with investors but also among themselves.
“Let us support our youth, empower our entrepreneurs, and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of transparency and fairness,” she said.
Shilunga said oil companies operating in Namibia would be closely monitored, required to report on their progress, and held accountable to ensure their promises translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
“The government will ensure strict enforcement so that these promises do not remain on paper but become a reality for our people,” she said.
She also warned of the potential risks associated with mismanaged oil wealth, citing global examples where the resource has become a curse rather than a blessing.
“We know too well from other countries that oil, if not managed well, can become a curse – where benefits are captured by the few, corruption thrives, and communities are left behind. Namibia is determined to follow a different path,” she stressed.
Shilunga said the local content policy would serve as a safeguard and tool to fight poverty, build skills, create businesses, and ensure that every Namibian has a fair opportunity to benefit from the country’s natural resources.
She said the policy represents a clear government commitment that will make sure that oil companies employ Namibians, provide training and development opportunities for young people, and ensure goods and services are sourced from Namibian-owned businesses.
In addition, companies must transfer knowledge and technology to the local population to build long-term capacity and independence.
“In simple terms, the policy is about ensuring that the wealth from oil flows into our homes, our schools, our clinics, and our communities, where it matters most.” she said.
Shilunga said if an oil company needs 100 workers, as many of those jobs as possible should be given to Namibians, especially to young people, women, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She said when companies require services such as catering, transportation, or accommodation, these should be sourced locally to create business opportunities and stimulate economic growth at towns and regions across the country.
Furthermore, if specialised training is needed for work in the industry, Namibian children should receive bursaries and scholarships to prepare them for future careers.
“This is not just about jobs,” she said.
“It is about building a future where Namibians own, manage, and prosper from the oil and gas industry.”
Namcor executive Petrus Sindimba said it would take the country five to six years to start producing oil.
He said in the meantime, the country needs to lay pipe in the ocean and acquire a ship which would employ between 200 and 300 people.
Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo urged Namibians to participate in ongoing regional consultative meetings.
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