Africa-Press – Namibia. Presidential oil and gas advisor Kornelia Shilunga has advised investors to prioritise the employment of Namibians, particularly the youth, women, and people from previously disadvantaged communities.
Speaking at a regional local content consultation meeting in Outapi yesterday, Shilunga said the government’s forthcoming Local Content Policy aims to ensure Namibians are not left behind as the country enters the oil era.
“It is government commitment that oil companies must employ Namibians and train and develop young people. They must source goods and services from Namibian businesses and transfer knowledge and technology to our people,” Shilunga said.
She emphasised the benefits of oil should translate directly into improved livelihoods, clinics, schools, and communities across the country.
According to her, the policy sets clear rules and targets, requiring oil companies to report on progress and be held accountable.
“Government will ensure strict enforcement so that the promises translate into real benefits,” she said.
Using examples, Shilunga noted that if companies require 100 employees, as many of those jobs as possible should go to Namibians. Similarly, services such as catering, transport, and accommodation should be sourced locally to create business opportunities in towns and regions, she said.
The policy also prioritises bursaries and scholarships for Namibian students to prepare them for careers in the oil and gas industry.
“This is not just about jobs, it is about building a future where Namibians own, manage, and prosper from the oil and gas industry,” she said.
She warned that Namibia must avoid the mistakes of other countries, where oil wealth became a curse due to corruption, exclusion, and mismanagement.
“Namibia is determined to follow a different path. The Local Content Policy is our safeguard, our tool to fight poverty, build skills, create businesses, and ensure every Namibian has a fair chance to benefit,” she said.
Rejecting the practice of fronting, where locals are used as mere tokens without true empowerment, Shilunga called for genuine participation that uplifts communities and strengthens the economy.
“Fellow Namibians, this is our moment. This is our opportunity to ensure the black gold discovered in our waters is transformed into real gold for every Namibian household,” she said, calling for partnerships between investors, entrepreneurs, and communities.
She said the consultation is meant to capture the voices, ideas, and concerns of Namibians to shape the final Local Content Policy.
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