Youth in Oil and Gas Summit Returns for its 3rd Edition in Swakopmund
The 3rd edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit is set to take place from 23 to 25 July in Swakopmund, bringing together young professionals, policymakers, financial institutions, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners to discuss Namibia’s growing role in the oil and gas sector. This year’s summit comes at a critical time, as Namibia continues to attract global attention following major offshore oil discoveries and increasing investor interest in the country’s energy potential. The summit will provide a platform for young Namibians to understand where the opportunities are, what skills are required, and how they can meaningfully participate in the emerging oil and gas economy.
Vaultz.connect
By Staff Reporter
The 3rd edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit is set to take place from 23 to 25 July in Swakopmund, bringing together young professionals, policymakers, financial institutions, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners to discuss Namibia’s growing role in the oil and gas sector.
This year’s summit comes at a critical time, as Namibia continues to attract global attention following major offshore oil discoveries and increasing investor interest in the country’s energy potential. The summit will provide a platform for young Namibians to understand where the opportunities are, what skills are required, and how they can meaningfully participate in the emerging oil and gas economy.
A key highlight of the summit will be the Presidential Address by Her Excellency President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose participation underscores the national importance of youth inclusion in Namibia’s energy development agenda. Her address is expected to focus on government’s vision for the sector, the role of young people in economic transformation, and the importance of ensuring that Namibia’s natural resources create long-term value for citizens.
The summit will feature a strong line-up of speakers from finance, energy, advisory, public policy and business development sectors. Speakers include Helena Mboti, Economist at Standard Bank; Hon. Kornelia Shilunga, Youth in Oil and Gas Summit Patron and Presidential Advisor; Naftal Alweendo, Commercial Relationship Manager at FNB Namibia; Melanie Harrison from Deloitte Namibia; Shiwana Ndeunyema, Executive at NAMCOR; and Claire Alexander from Africa Scotland Business.
The 3rd edition is further strengthened by the support of strategic partners, including TotalEnergies, Chevron, Petrofund, NAMCOR, with the Namibian Government serving as Patron. Their involvement reflects the growing importance of collaboration between government, industry, financial institutions, development partners and young people in shaping Namibia’s oil and gas future.
The discussions are expected to move beyond oil discoveries and focus on practical participation. Topics will include local content, access to finance, supplier development, youth entrepreneurship, skills development, governance, environmental responsibility, and the role of Namibia’s financial sector in supporting emerging businesses.
One of the major conversations in Namibia’s oil and gas industry is how the country can convert exploration success into real economic opportunities. While the sector is still developing, there is increasing discussion around preparing Namibian businesses to become suppliers, training young people for future jobs, and ensuring that communities understand the opportunities and responsibilities that come with oil and gas development.
The summit will also explore the importance of skills beyond engineering and geology. The oil and gas value chain requires lawyers, accountants, logistics professionals, environmental specialists, communications practitioners, finance experts, safety officers, data analysts, procurement specialists, drivers, caterers, security providers and many other service providers. This message is especially important for young people who may think the industry is only open to those with technical qualifications.
Another important area of discussion will be financing. Many Namibian youth-owned businesses have the ambition to participate in the sector but lack the capital, compliance systems, equipment and networks needed to compete. With representatives from Standard Bank and FNB Namibia on the programme, the summit will provide insight into how young entrepreneurs can position themselves for funding, partnerships and supplier readiness.
Environmental, social and governance issues are also expected to feature strongly. As Namibia develops its oil and gas ambitions, there is growing pressure to ensure responsible development, transparency, environmental protection and community benefit. The summit will create space for honest conversations about balancing economic growth with sustainability.
The Youth in Oil and Gas Summit has become an important platform for shaping youth participation in one of Namibia’s most talked-about industries. The 3rd edition is expected to strengthen dialogue between government, industry and young people, while encouraging practical action.
As Namibia positions itself as an emerging energy frontier, the summit sends a clear message: young people must not be spectators in the country’s oil and gas journey. They must be informed, prepared, skilled and included.
