Namibia only has 45% capability for oil sector skills demand

Namibia only has the capability to provide 45% of what is needed in the oil and gas industry in terms of skills.

This is according to research conducted by Deloitte with endorsement of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Speaking on the findings, Deloitte country leader Melanie Harrison says there are 218 demand-side job types, of which 143 are currently present in Namibia.

However, a significant challenge remains in bridging the gap between available qualifications and the specialised skills needed for the sector’s growth.

“We mapped these job types to qualifications and assessed the data from universities and vocational training centres in Namibia,” says a spokesperson.

“Our data shows a considerable surplus of qualifications in support roles, but a notable deficit in technical oil and gas-specific positions,” says Harrison.

According to the research, although there are enough general support qualifications, technical positions which are crucial for oil and gas are lacking.

“Petrofund is actively addressing this issue.They are exploring ways to ensure more Namibians can gain the necessary qualifications and meet future demands,” says Harrison.

The research was conducted on a hypothetical basis as this kind of research is normally done after Fund for Innovation in Development.

However, Namibia has not reached that stage yet so the research is part of the planning and preparation for Namibia, says Harrison.