PioneeringpartnershipsignedtoempowerNamibiantalentintheenergysector

Windhoek, Namibia — In a bold step forward for Namibia’s energy future, the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) and FirstRand Namibia, encompassing RMB Namibia, FNB Business, and FNB Retail, are set to officially sign a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference. PETROFUND CEO, Ms Immanuel Mulemi, and FirstRand Namibia CEO, Mr. Conrad Dempsey, will lead this historic moment, cementing a partnership rooted in a shared vision and ambition for a thriving, inclusive oil and gas sector.

This alliance is more than a signature on paper; it is a joint commitment to unlock Namibia’s potential through robust capacity building, targeted upskilling, and the broad empowerment of local talent and suppliers. Both PETROFUND and FirstRand Namibia recognise the immense opportunity presented by the country’s burgeoning upstream oil and gas landscape. Together, they are determined to ensure Namibians are not just beneficiaries, but active architects of this national growth story.

Central to this partnership is the enhancement of local supplier capabilities. By equipping Namibian businesses and professionals with world-class training and resources, PETROFUND and FirstRand Namibia aim to cultivate a new generation of industry leaders, enabling in-country value retention and amplifying the nation’s economic potential.

This shared mission is underpinned by the oil and gas steerco’s in-principle approval for a co-sponsorship package totaling N$1,000,000.00, structured as N$500,000.00 annually over two years. This multi-year investment proves the unwavering dedication both parties have to advancing skills, innovation, and long-term prosperity within Namibia’s oil and gas sector.

Reflecting on the signing, Dempsey said: “At FirstRand Namibia, we recognise that the real value of Namibia’s oil and gas opportunity lies not only in resources, but in people. This partnership with PETROFUND reflects our long-term commitment to developing local capacity — by supporting skills development, strengthening local suppliers, and helping to retain in-country value. We are proud to contribute to building a future where Namibians are equipped to lead in their own energy story.”

Ms. Mulemi added: “This partnership with FirstRand Namibia is a significant milestone in our mission to build a skilled and competitive Namibian workforce within the oil and gas sector. What stands out is not just the financial institution’s commitment, but their deep understanding of the sector’s needs — especially in terms of education, training, and local supplier development. Together, we are creating pathways for Namibians to meaningfully participate in, and benefit from this evolving industry.”

This partnership marks a defining moment for Namibia’s energy sector. By joining forces, PETROFUND and FirstRand Namibia are investing in skills development, supplier empowerment – sending a powerful message of unity and purposeful collaboration.

Dempsey continued: “We are deeply committed to ensuring that Namibians are at the forefront of industry transformation, and that the benefits of this sector reach communities across our country. By leveraging our respective strengths we are creating new avenues for knowledge, participation, and sustainable growth for generations to come.”

PETROFUND and FirstRand Namibia’s partnership will unlock opportunity, ignite potential, and build the human capital to power the nation’s energy story for generations to come. Together, they are proving that when public purpose meets private ambition, transformative change is not only possible — but inevitable.

ENDS