Kahenge Haulofu speaks at Nampower graduation ceremony in Windhoek

Windhoek. 2 April 2026.

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Good morning.

Today, once again, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment – a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. A moment where we celebrate the transition from apprentices and trainees to skilled artisans, ready to contribute significantly to Nampower, to Namibia’s energy landscape, and to the world.

Nampower prides itself on capacity-building and the skilling of young people on the latest technologies to ensure security of supply and the continuous improvement of the nation.

This, Nampower does in tandem with global developmental goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for action to address pressing global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

The SDGs recognise that ending poverty must go together with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth. This can only be achieved through continuous training and skills enhancement to enable people, especially young people, to make a living for themselves. Vocational training fits perfectly into this space.

One of the highlights of the past year has been a project that truly reflects who we are as Nampower and the Nampower training centre, as a skills development hub that aims to keep up with global trends.

Our trainers, together with their level 2 and level 3 trainees, designed and constructed a modular structure that could be easily assembled and dismantled. This was not just a model – it was a fully functional demonstration unit, showcased at the Ongwediva annual trade fair.

What made this project exceptional was its integration of modern technology and sustainable solutions. The structure operated entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy through panels mounted on the roof. This ensured alignment with the SDGs by using solar as a renewable energy source. It demonstrated, in a very practical way, how renewable energy can be harnessed to meet real-life, everyday needs.

The team did not stop there – the unit also featured smart technology integration, including a window with curtains controlled through a KNX system, enabling building automation and artificial intelligence. The unit’s lights and curtains could be opened or closed using an app on a cellphone. This showcased how intelligent automation can be seamlessly combined with renewable energy systems.

This project is a clear example of Nampower’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and relevance. It shows that we are not only teaching theory – we are equipping our trainees and employees alike with the skills to design, build, and adapt to the demands of modern industry.

Most importantly, it demonstrates that our trainees can think beyond the classroom, solving real problems and contributing to a future that is both technologically and sustainably advanced.

As such, I encourage you to think towards entrepreneurship and job creation with your newly acquired skills. We should move towards empowering ourselves, as well as others, through the creation of businesses, as opposed to traditional job-hunting or waiting for the government to create jobs.

As I stand before you this morning, I am confident that the future of Namibia is in great hands because of you, Nampower’s artisan graduates.

I am immensely proud of each one of you. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement.

I thank you.

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